All is Perfect In Its Time

All in One

2010-12-29T14:37:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! As the end of the year approaches, I would like to take the time to close out this blog as well. I am hoping to launch my new brand, website, and blog sometime early next year and that means I need to end this blog soon. As hard as it may seem, I am more than excited to start fresh and I know that my goals for next year sound tough and scary but if I take things step by step, everything will fall into place.

Here is my recap of "All is Perfect in its Time." It's crazy looking at all of these images and watching myself grow...

Los Molcajetes: Here is one of my first "jobs." I took pictures of the restaurant called Los Molcajetes in Bakersfield, CA and had a blast doing it. I learned to just get out there and shoot, as well as shooting around stationary objects. Here are a few of my favorite images from that shoot:

Vicky's 1st Birthday: This was January of 2009 and I can't believe how much Vicky has grown since then.

Hiking: Hubby and I went on a hike near our old apartment and I decided I should take my camera and try to catch the sunset. Well, I had a blast and captured some pretty nice shots.

Brenda's Photo Shoot: I had the pleasure of shooting my cousin Brenda. The setting was a great backdrop for our shoot.

The Lawrence Family: This was one of those "you never know until you ask" kind of moments. I went to the park and asked the mother of the kids if she minded me taking some images of her kids. Sure enough, she was fine with it and I had a blast!

Gaby's 16th Birthday: My niece turned 16 on March 23, 2009 and I had the pleasure of taking some images of her and her friends. It was so much fun running after a bunch of kids!

Easter 2009: The kids had an amazing time looking for Easter eggs and I had an amazing time capturing their happy faces! :)

Baby Oscar: I loved shooting this baby boy so much that I couldn't wait for anyone else to have a baby!

Karen's Baby shower: I knew Karen from High school and was honored to be asked to shoot her baby shower. It was a beautiful event!

Fenix's Wedding: This was a wedding for which I was NOT a photographer for but I shot a few images since I had my camera. So much fun!

Marky & Bella: These two precious angels were so much fun to shoot!!! They were also a mission to chase after in 100* heat!

My Father's Garden: I surprised my dad by shooting his garden and all of the flowers in it. He enjoyed the images and that's all that I wanted!

Brenda + Johnny: Finally, Here is my recent shoot with Brenda and Johnny. A perfect way to round of my original blog.

I would like to thank everyone that has helped shape me and my career into what it is today and what it will be in the future. First and foremost I want to thank God for never letting me give up. He has shown me that with him nothing is impossible. I also want to give a special thanks to my wonderful family, and lastly to y amazing husband who has done any and everything for me and my dreams! Thank you so much baby!

<3 Maria

Beauty every day: Today...

2010-12-28T18:45:00.000-08:00

I shot this as I stepped out of my office this evening. I said a barely audible, "oh my God..." and snapped the beauty that God placed before me. Amazing! Please join me and enjoy this wondrous color in the sky. :)

Wow...

Brenda + Johnny - Just Because

2010-12-27T13:56:00.000-08:00

It's been such a long, long, time since I last posted on this blog but I have wonderful news:

MY BLOG IS MOVING!!!

I am in the process of making my photography website and new blog to accompany it! I will be adding a link to my new website and blog here when the time comes in 2011! :)

For now, here are Brenda + Johnny!! This is the final sneak peek that will be on this blog. They were an absolute BLAST to shoot and the images came out so great! Enjoy!

Please leave feedback! Thanks everyone!

See you all in the new year!

My Father's Garden

2010-08-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

I am the only one of all of my siblings that lives away from my parent's home. It was difficult at first since my first taste of separation was 5 years ago when I moved away for college but luckily it was less than 2 hours away from the ones I love! Today, I am still about 90 minutes away, but I have Hubby to keep me company.

Being only 90 minutes away gives us the luxury to visit our parents just about every other weekend, though sometimes it's more often and other times it's less often. Either way, I try to take advantage and enjoy the time I have with my family, especially with the kids. The kids that seem to be growing up much quicker than I wish...

Hubby and I take advantage of any long holiday weekends because we get a bonus day to spend with the kids. This past 4th of July weekend we did just that and I stopped to smell the roses. Literally. I was in my parent's backyard where I hang out all of the time (well, as long as I can take the close-to-100* summer heat...) and I realized how much love and care my dad puts into his garden. There was such a variety of plants, flowers, even fruits and vegetables! I mean, I knew they were there but I never stopped to admire what my dad took time to cultivate with his own hands.

Luckily, I had my camera handy with my brand new birthday lens (thanks Hubby) and I tested it out on my father's garden.

Please enjoy! And as always, comments are welcome! :)

Yup, that's some yummy, home-grown grapefruit! :)

Let me know what you all think!

<3

Mark & Isabella

2010-08-03T14:13:00.000-07:00

I had the wonderful pleasure of taking photographs of the two most adorable kids around! These two were up for anything, even braving the heat for a while without even a single peep! I'm sure the water hose helped a bunch but these two kids were very well behaved and I give all the credit to their loving mom. Carol is an amazing person and I am grateful for the opportunity to photograph her kids.

Here are Marky and Bella:

(Click to enlarge)

My favorite of Marky! :)

It was very difficult rounding down to these images for the blog post but I have many more images just for mom! Thank you once again Carol for allowing me to capture some memories for you!

Co-Worker Wedding

2009-09-08T21:28:00.000-07:00

I was invited to this wedding after having only been working at my new job for around a month. I didn't actually think of going until working with the bride many long days. The only thing I have to say is that I was, obviously, not their wedding photographer. Also, I only got to go to the reception because the wedding was held on a Friday and I had to wait for Hubby to get out of work.

I hope you all like the images. :)

The flower girl on the left is ready for a pageant if you ask me!

I loved the whole feel of the wedding.

This barn was the PERFECT setting, although it was very dim.

This image was quite difficult to capture.

Their cake was actually cupcakes with a cake on top for them to cut. It was beautiful, and the cupcakes were yummy, if I do say so myself! ;)

Stunning, right?!

They were so happy to finally be husband and wife

after 14 years of being together!!

Congratulations you guys! Hope you have an amazing rest of your lives together!

Haiku

2009-08-27T16:24:00.000-07:00

LOVE this:

"Haikus are easy
But sometimes they don't make sense.
Refrigerator."

LOL. I laughed so hard my water almost came out of my nose, haha. I didn't expect a brown shirt to be so funny.

I have a bit of things to blog about but I've been so busy lately. And, I might get just a tad bit more busy, but it's ok because I love my job!

More info soon. :)
God Bless! <3

True Blessings

2009-08-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

I have been super busy at work lately that I haven't had a chance to update the blog, but I haven't forgotten you. I am just as Blessed as I am busy and I wanted to write a short (maybe not so short) post about how amazing God is. Grab some popcorn and read-on! :D

Lately, there has been a light shining on me and following me everywhere I go. I feel the calm during the storm, and I have received many Blessings... Blessings that may seem like any ordinary event to others.

Not to me.

A few months back I got a ticket for taking a red light. And just my luck, it was at a light with a camera so it was all caught on video and the pictures are as clear as can be! Sadly, I admit I took the light. I mean, I was turning right AND the light had a green right arrow (albehit, I turned just as the light turned Red, lol) but I was so mad at the cost. Ventura County expected me to pay $436 for not fully stopping (or for not stopping at all, haha) before turning right. If you look at my driving record, I am a good driver. Dang it, I'm a GREAT driver! I was not about to pay close to $450 for this. I wouldn't. Plus, I didn't want this to be on my spotless driving record. Off to court I went to fight this thing.

I have always been told that you cannot fight a ticket for which the crime was caught on camera. I read online about excuses to give but was always told that it is rare that they even consider hearing this kind of case. I was only hoping and praying that the fine would be reduced to a more reasonable amount. And that I could take some sort of traffic school to clean up my record. That's all. Is that too much to ask?

My court date was set for August 14th at 1:30 PM. I had to take time off of work to go, and I thought I was going to be there from 1:30 - 5:00 PM. I got to the court house around 12:30, just in case I couldn't find my way around, lol. I sat patiently waiting for the court room to be opened. I was so nervous as I saw more people and even officers walk towards the court room where I was to go. Nervously, I wondered if any of the cops was the one that was there because of me. Even though I didn't get physically stopped by a cop, my ticket had a signature of an officer that was to charge me with my crime...

1:20 PM came around and they finally opened the doors. I confidently (on the outside at least) walked in and sat in the front row. First seat. I just wanted this to be over with. Quickly. Please?

The secretary began taking roll and I realized that there was no officer there for my case. I kept praying because I was on video AND pictures... All I need is traffic school. I'd love a lower fine as well, but traffic school will do. I will be a happy camper. Promise!

Sitting and waiting for the judge to walk in made me feel like I was a horrible criminal. Like, I was the only one in the room and the judge knew what I did and how horrible it was. Almost as though it was so bad, I should be tossed in jail! Especially after being sworn in. Boy was I nervous!!

The judge walked in, greeted us, and began talking to the secretary. She handed him my paper work... OUR paperwork (there were about 15 other criminals in there with me, lol). Nervously, I hoped he'd start with me so I can just pay and get out of there.

The judge looked at my papers (I really WAS the first one he looked at!!!) and asked for the officer on my case. Lucky for me, he wasn't there. Phew! Now if I could only ask the judge to look at my driving history... and explain to him that I was in a hurry... on my very first day on my new job (true story)! I just know he'd understand... well, not know per say, but I hoped. Man, did I hope! I prayed he'd understand. I prayed for a week that he'd understand.

The judge called my name and I waved that I was present. He looked at me (in my business attire, of course!) and looked back down at my paperwork. 1:42 PM. He read my papers and came to a conclusion. Speaking to the secretary by his side, I could barely understand what he was saying. I sat patiently waiting to hear my sentencing (LOL) and he moved on... Next criminal.

What happened...? I can't stand having to wait. Is my fee any less then when I walked in? CAN I go to traffic shool? Is it really an impossible ticket to fight that the judge didn't even let me defend my mistake?

Well, dear reader, remember the title of the post: True Blessings.

My case was dismissed. DISMISSED!! You read that right. No fine! No traffic school! NOTHING! Thank you Jesus! I am free. No longer a criminal! I was out of the court-room by 1:52 PM! I wasn't even in there for half an hour! God has a plan for each one of us and he knows what it takes to teach us a lesson. All I needed was a ticked to loom over my head for a few weeks. Now, I am extremely cautious around lights. Even if there are NO cameras! I think Hubby hates it when I mention to him that there's a camera. Especially when the light just turned green, lol. What can I say, I learned my lesson!

I hope you can learn to trust in God. Leave it up to Him to make any situation better.

I've been thinking if posting about my relationship with God on this blog would be a bad business decision, but after much thought and prayer, I have come to think, why not? It is MY blog, by the way, and God is a HUGE part of my life. There's no reason to hide it. Don't worry though, I do promise to keep these kinds of posts to a minimum. You'll see. :)

God Bless!

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you;
He will never leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6

Karen's Baby Shower!

2009-08-01T22:25:00.000-07:00

Karen is going to have a baby and I am very excited for her! She is such a beautiful preggo woman and I can only hope I get to look as good as she does at 8 months in! Check out these images and you'll see what I mean!

Location of the Baby Shower. It was a perfect day!

Karen & Jessie

They're so in love!

Isn't her dress adorable!?

Ok, I LOVE, Love, love the name she picked for her baby girl:

DELILAH!

Some of her girlfriends that joined her on this special day!

This shot was unexpected and I love it that much more! :)

Thanks for letting me capture these memories for you, Karen & Jessie!

Can't wait until Baby Delilah is born!

Congratulations once again!

Baby Oscar!

2009-07-29T22:27:00.000-07:00

Baby Oscar is such a precious baby! He was such a good boy during our shoot. I was very happy to shoot him as he was wide awake and was reacting to me moving around, as well as to his animal mobile over his crib.
I had so much fun!

It kinda makes me think maybe I want a baby of my own...

(Don't tell Hubby I said that just now, lol.)

Enjoy the few photos I am posting!

Please, let me know what you think. :)

This one is super blurry, but I love how wide he is smiling!

God Bless! <3

Holiday Family Portraits

2009-07-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

I know this may seem like it's too soon but have you booked your holiday family shoot yet?

I am opening my calendar for Holiday shoots so you can use the images for Holiday Cards, etc. before the Holidays actually arrive! Please plan ahead because I only have a limited amount of spaces available and I have

great deals going on.

Christmas in July is a perfect time for a sale.

**PLUS: If you can tell me my niece Victoria's middle name (from a previous post on this blog) I will give you an additional promotional offer, including free prints!**

Please contact me at maria(dot)mnlphotography(at)gmail(dot)com for more information and to book your holiday shoot at a great Summer rate! :)

(Please book by September 1st to take advantage of this discount and by October 1st to guarantee you receive your images with plenty of time to order cards, etc. for the Holidays!)

Thanks everyone!

MY GRADUATION - Pepperdine University!!!

2009-07-20T10:15:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I finished. I'm done with school. It's all over...

I am definitely going to miss it, but boy am I glad it's over with!
More than anything, I am going to miss my friends that I met through Pepperdine. Jordan, Carmelle, and everyone else (that don't have blogs, lol) I will miss you all so much. Hopefully we can get together sometime in the future and reconnect.

Anyway, Graduation was so amazing and it ended up being a beautiful day, even though the weather channel made us worry by saying there was a storm on the way. Luckily, the clouds blew away and the day was as dreamy as any other Malibu day.

Here are some pictures that Hubby shot of the graduation!

Enjoy!

My name in the program. I had the LONGEST name of all:

Walking up to the stage:

Yay! We did it!

Hubby Congratulating me:

My nephew's and I:

My Cousins (Cristina and Brenda) and I:

My lovely parents and I:

Star, Alex, and I:

Gaby and I:

Me and all of my balloons:

Gabriela, her family, and I:

Alma, her family, and I:

Alma and I:

Hubby kissing me softly! :)

Hubby and I again:

The in-laws:

Everyone that came to watch me graduate (there were 20 of us!!):

Vicky and I at dinner:

My parents at the beach, after graduation:

Hubby and I at the beach:

Vicky on the Pier:

She's so ADORABLE!

I love her so much!

We were having fun on the beach:

Thanks for looking everyone! :)

Busy Bee!

2009-07-19T17:48:00.000-07:00

Hi guys! I have been so busy lately and haven't had a chance to update my blog for a while.

Well, let's hope I can get back into the swing of things. I have a few things to update you all on, plus some photo-shoots that I have done lately.

For now, I am just letting you all know that I am still alive and Hubby and I are more blessed than ever!! I will be back in the next couple of days posting about my graduation, my new job, and my new baby niece. So come back and check often for new updates!

<3 ya! :D

Plus, here are a couple of teasers for Baby Oscar's momma!

Enjoy and let me know what you think!

Thank You Trista! :D

2009-07-14T20:08:00.000-07:00

So, Hubby and I finally got around to meeting Trista and doing our photoshoot. (Trista, by the way, is this AMAZING photographer that I have been stalking through her blog and I think you should all do the same)!
:)

Anyway, Hubby and I met her in Malibu to do our shoot and it was just the most perfect day for a shoot ever! Here, let these teaser images prove it to you:

Plus, go to her blog here to see more images of Hubby and I, and some of her other work! Leave her a comment or two. I'm sure she'll love them!

P.S. If you want me to shoot some images of you and your lover, pet, family, or just yourself, let me know when and where and we can set something up! :)

Two favorites working together! Amen!

2009-07-09T08:39:00.000-07:00

So, I've been gone for quite a while, but I have been busy ever since graduation!

More on that later. I am here to talk about something I think is just AMAZING!! I am excited about it! So excited that it pushed me out of my blogging coma, lol.

Ready for this?

Jimmy Choo (swoon) is working with a favorite company of mine: H&M!!

I told you it was AMAZING!!

Look at this image from H&M!

I want BOTH pairs!!
Ahh, Hubby is NOT going to like this as much as I am, lol.

Aaahhhh-mazing!!! My bank account is sooo going to suffer this fall (starting in November).

The collection will include shoes, handbags, and clothing. All to match! :)

Could there be anything more perfect than this?!

Want to WIN a Vera Wang Gown?

2009-05-08T12:53:00.000-07:00

Go to this site and enter to win a fabulous gown by the fabulous Ms. Wang!

http://weddingsunveiledblog.blogspot.com/2009/05/win-dress-by-vera-wang.html

The contest goes through May 22nd so don't miss this great opportunity!

Be sure to check out the rest of the site for fun ideas too:

http://weddingsunveiledblog.blogspot.com/

Good Luck!

Alma's Graduation - University of Phoenix

2009-05-08T11:30:00.000-07:00

My sister, Alma, graduated from University of Phoenix just 1 week before I graduated from Pepperdine. We had a party at her house after her graduation to celebrate both of our accomplishments. I am so proud of my sis for going to school all the while working full time and having two kids!

Way to go, sis!

Here are a few pics of her graduation and of us at the party:

The place was PACKED!!!

Alma and some of her friends:

Walking towards the stage:

So Excited:

Almost there:

One more shot with her friends:

She just received her diploma!

Congratulations!

Yay!

After the Ceremony:

"I...

...did...

...it!"

With her proud son:

Woo-Hoo!

Mom was also proud:

As was the rest of the family:

Congrats Alma!

A few pics at the party:

Hubby and I:

Yay!

Mom and Alma:

Us two and Mom:

Alma and I again:

Easter 2009

2009-05-07T10:30:00.000-07:00

This year, for Easter, we had an Egg Hunt with the kids at church!
It was so much fun, especially since there was so many kids!

We let the kids scope out the yard before they were allowed to hunt for the eggs.

And they're off! I love how they're all running in completely different directions!

Vicky just found one and started to relax! Isn't she adorable!?!?
Check out her heart glasses!!

This is Alex with his class of kids.

(He teaches the younger ones)

And this is Star with her class, the older ones.

We have LOTS of kids at church! :)

After the egg hunt, we had pizza for them to enjoy.

This little one enjoyed her chocolate quite a bit after the pizza!

Look at all of those wrappers and chocolate marks on her face!

Star and Alex, the teachers.

Vicky, eating pizza.

She didn't stop eating the whole time!

Easter with the church kids was such a success!

I had a blast just watching them and taking their pictures!

Hope your Easter was as blessed as ours!

Busy, Busy, Busy!!

2009-05-06T20:23:00.000-07:00

So, I have been waaaaaaay out of the loop lately. I have been super busy but things have finally calmed down. Now I have time to catch up on my blogging. I just wanted you all to know what is to come in the next couple of weeks:

-Easter

-Alma's (My sister) Graduation - University of Phoenix

-A Church Wedding

-My Graduation - Pepperdine University

Please check back in the coming days for these posts, plus a few randoms as well! :)

Thanks for being so faithful everyone!

And, since posts are boring without pictures, here is a picture of my niece Victoria Grace at Alma's graduation! So cute! =]

Baking: Oreo Truffles...

2009-04-05T18:00:00.000-07:00

These are my absoulte favorite things to make (other than cupcakes, cakes, and all other desserts, lol). Trust me, if you ever decide to make these, you will definitely regret it! I mean, they are DIET-BREAKING Yumminess!! I found a website that says these babies are 100 calories each! Wow! That's why I only eat one a day, haha.

I made these for Hubby, so he can take them to a work potluck. Apparently, they were the talk of the day! ;) You should really try these!

I am including pictures and instructions so you can make them yourself for you and your family (or maybe just for you)!

Good Luck and Enjoy!

These are the ingredients you are going to need:

-2 packs of Oreo Cookies

-2 packages of Cream Cheese (8 oz each - 1 per package of Oreo Cookies)

-White and Milk Chocolate for dunking and drizzling! Mmm!

That's it!

You should let the cream cheese sit on your kitchen table/counter for a while so it will be room temperature when you need it later on.

You will need to grind the Oreo cookies to a fine texture. Very fine. (I put 5 Oreo's in the blender at a time and grind until they reach the perfect consistency)
Many people have said you can buy a package of Oreo crumbs, but this is so much better because you get the cream filling and ALL in there! Yummy!!

(Sorry, no pictures of this next step) :(

You will have to add a package of cream cheese per each package of Oreo cookies and mix them together. I do this part with my very hands. It's mushy and fun!

Next, you have to make the Oreo balls thenselves. I also do this step with my bare hands. Don't worry about perfection.. they'll disappear before anyone realizes they're not all the same shape or size.

(Feel free to experiment with shapes as well, though I like the traditional round shape!)

Yum!

You should put the Oreo balls in the freezer (for about half an hour) so that they won't fall apart in this next step...

While the Oreo balls are in the freezer, you should melt the white chocolate (and later, the milk chocolate) on a double boiler for dipping.
I use chocolate chips for quick and easy melting:

I was very excited to get these done that I totally forgot to get pictures of the dipping and drizzling steps, but you get the idea! Cover each Oreo ball with white chocolate and drizzle them all with milk chocolate. Simple enough...right? ;)

Look at all of that goodness!

Mmm-mmm good!!

Want some of this yumminess?? :D

If you want to make these chocolate-covered pretzels, all you have to get is some pretzel sticks. They are easier to make than the Oreo Truffles. Just dip and drizzle!

These are definitely not the healthiest of snacks, lol, but they sure are the yummiest! I hope some of you make these and share them with loved ones!

Gaby's 16th B-Day!

2009-04-01T16:00:00.000-07:00

My niece turned 16 on March 23rd and her mom threw her an amazing party for her and her friends to have fun!

I had so much fun with all of the 16 year old kids! They danced the night away and all had a blast together! Here are a few pictures from the great night!

Enjoy!

My niece and her grandparents (My parents):

Gaby and some of her friends:

Gaby and her girl friends:

We tried to get this shot a million times! It always came out this way, first the people on the left jumped...

...then the ones on the right jumped, lol.

One last try... On your mark:

...get set...

Goooo!! Yay!

These were also fun to shoot:Gaby and her girlfriends:

Gaby and most of her friends:

Gaby and her girls holding her up:

Right before cutting the cakes:

Gaby and her parents:

Dancing! Lots of dancing!

"A" - YMCA, lol:

"Y" to "M" - YMCA:

"C" to "A" - YMCA:

They did this train thing and ran/danced for a loooong time!
It was so much fun!

And to end the post, I am including a picture of Vicky and me:

So much fun!
Thanks for looking everyone!

God Bless!

Family Wedding

2009-03-26T19:30:00.000-07:00

My aunt and uncle celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary a couple of weekends ago and, boy did we take lots of pictures! It was hard but I chose 12 of my favorite pictures to share with you all. Without further ado:
Enjoy!

Hubby and I about to go in to the reception hall:

My two favorite cousins and I:
(Cristina, Me, and Brenda)

Just Cristina and Brenda, my lovelies :)

The three of us looking lovely!

Us three with our cousin Esmeralda:

The four of us with Brenda's younger sisters:
(Liz, Esmeralda, Patty, Brenda, Cristina, and I)

My Momma with my sisters and I:
(Gabriela, Me, Momma, Star, and Alma)

My adorable niece, Vicky!

She's looking away in both images b/c only Hubby could get her to smile, lol.

Momma and Deddy:
Love them!!

Mom, Dad, and the Bride & Groom:

Last, but not least, My family along with the Bride & Groom:
I had such a blast with my family!
Hope you liked the pictures.

Flying a Kite! :)

2009-03-25T11:30:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I went home this weekend and found ourselves int the middle of a windy day. After short consideration, we went to the local dollar store and bought two kites ($0.98 each!!) to try to fly, hoping they wouldn't rip in the strong wind. Well, they didn't rip and we had a lot of fun with my nephews and the kites. Just look at the pictures:

Me flying my kite:

Me and my nephew, and our kites:

Flying my kite real high with another nephew watching:

Hubby's Transformers kite:

Hubby flying his kite:

Hubby again:

Vicky had to stay inside b/c it was waaaaay to windy and cold, but she still watched:

I felt bad, so I went inside to take some pictures of her.
Isn't she adorable?!

She's going through this phase where she puts on every pair of shoes she sees:
Ah, she's such a cutie!

Anyway, I had a great time flying a kite and I hope you decide to go outdoors and enjoy the Spring weather with your family just because you can!

101 in 1001:
#66 - CHECK!

Lawrence Family!

2009-03-21T16:30:00.000-07:00

Today I am posting a photoshoot I did for the Lawrence kids. I had such an amazing time! At first they were a bit shy, but they all opened up to me less than half way through! Eventually, they were fighting for camera time!! And, wow! Aren't these kids just beautiful! Check them out below:

P.S. This shoot helped me complete #013 of my 101 in 1001 since it was FREE for the Lawrence's! Yay!
It feels good to do something nice for others doesn't it?!

Here is a slideshow of my absolute favorite pictures from our fun day in the park!
Enjoy:

Weight Loss: 1-Month Update

2009-03-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

Hello blog! Just wanted to keep you all updated (so that I have to force myself to stay on track) lol.

I have to mention a quick goal that I met in the past month:

I LOST 10 POUNDS IN 1 MONTH!!
Yay!!

I hope you guys are all meeting some of your goals as well. I am glad to say that I am still losing weight and that I am NOT on a diet. I am just changing my life by eating healthier. Not only am I losing weight, but I am losing inches too, which is more important to me than the weight thing. Especially since I am lifting weights and running and I will probably be gaining muscle (which, as far as I'm concerned weight more than fat). I have lost 2" around my waist, 2" around my belly (!!!), 2.5" around each thigh, and .25" around each arm!! That's a total of 6.75" in one month! Isn't that amazing! =]
I am excited to see how much healthier I'll get in the next month! I'll keep keeping you all updated! :)

#021 of 1001 - Check!

And since no post is good without a picture, here is one of some cousins, hubby, and I at my aunts wedding from an upcoming post:

( Don't blame me for it not being centered, lol, I didn't take it.)

Sneak Peek: Lawrence Family

2009-03-20T07:49:00.000-07:00

I recently had such a fun shoot at a local Park!
Here is a little sneak peak just for Momma!

Check back soon for a full post with many more images!

Happy St. P's Day!

2009-03-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

Image courtesy of "Kiss The Groom"

Hope you remembered to wear green today!

25 Random Things About Me.

2009-03-05T13:50:00.000-08:00

So I have been tagged about 10 times and FINALLY did it. I'm not tagging anyone though. Let's just say, if you read this and haven't done it, you should. Pretend I tagged you :)

1- I have 7 of the 10 seasons of Friends and watch them over, and over, and over again! I can not and will not ever get tired of them! Friends cheers me up and makes me laugh-out-loud every time I watch, without fail!

2- Hubby and I bought a fish tank when we moved in to our apartment and we treat the fishies as our babies! We even discipline them when they're being bad by putting them in confinement (by "confinement" I mean we catch them in a net and hold them up against the tank) and they really learn their lesson (sometimes).

3- I love, love, love to bake. Although I don't eat most of it, I love to bake and I share with my friends (wanna be my friend? lol). I know baking isn't what being a wife is about so I also learn a new dinner recipe here and there as well. :)

4- I want to have an unconventional job. I want to own a bakery, or be a photographer (work in progress...), wedding/party planner, maybe an interior designer. Heck, even a chef! I think Business Administration is just a "back-up" degree just in case none of these end up panning out, haha!

5- I am definitely a Mac person. I have converted plenty of people and can convert others if need be. ;)

6- I am really scared of heights, but I love roller coasters... I just close my eyes really, really tight. Really tight.

7- I have one of the best immune systems I know. I hardly ever get sick. If Hubby is sick, I never get sick too. I get sick about once or twice (maybe) every two years. I should put that on my resume, lol.

8- Once, I got out of a ticket because of my middle name, lol. The cop literally laughed out loud. And couldn't stop. I didn't think it was that funny...

9- I can't stand people that don't know how to drive, don't pay attention when they drive, or are extremely rude when they drive. People please!! It's dangerous! Be careful.

10- I've lived by the beach for 4 years (like see the water from my window away) and I've only been to the beach about 5 times. And usually because someone was visiting and they want to go. I do love the beach though! :)

11- I want to be rich. Not only for me, but for my parents. My dad has worked waaaaay too hard his whole life and I think he needs a break, like for-ever. If only dreams came true...

12- I wish I could have a baby. I love kids and I want twins right now but I want them to be about a year old and never grow up. I don't want teenagers... But I am determined to wait until my 'career' is set and I have a home of my own, not an apartment. Please God! :D

13- In two months I will end a HUGE chapter of my life that has been going strong since I was about 4: School. I am almost done with school. For ever. Then I have to work. For the rest of for-ever. Depressing much? haha.

14 - I have very vivid dreams. I usually like this, unless I am having a nightmare because those are just as vivid. Also, I dream in color. Apparently that's not common but I am almost 100% certain I do. Really!

15- I do not take any medicine. Ever. I can't swallow pills and can't stand the taste and feel of liquid medicines. If I have a head-ache, I ignore it and it goes away. Honest! It probably helps that I hardly ever get sick, lol.

16- I sleep with a Teddy Bear Hubby gave me for our 1-Year (dating) Anniversary. I have slept with it since I got it and I haven't dropped the habit. Teddy, as I have named him, sleeps between Hubby and I and we both hug him and our arms intertwine through the night. It's more sweet than it is weird, I promise. Hubby likes it less than I do. I love it!

17- Yes, we still celebrate our Dating Anniversary. So what!

18- Hubby and I strive to keep God as our #1. It's a big deal to us so we pray every night and when we have our little talks before we go to sleep we always thank God for all of His blessings! We're not the kind of people that try to convince everyone of our friends that we're right blah, blah. Religion causes drama sometimes and I can't stand it. To each their own.

19- I love to listen to other people. Especially when they want advice. I have always been good at this, really. I don't know why, I've just always been good! I'm a good listener. Don't get me wrong, I'm a good talker too! :)

20- I don't really care what other people think of me. I live life for me and my family. Not to make you happy or to do the way you think is right, etc. I am who I am, take it or leave it, this is me. Usually, I am loved for me though, so don't worry.

21- I am more girly than most people I know. I love skirts, I hate bugs (to the max), I absolutely adore heels and pumps, pink, and I love chick-flicks! Just about all Romantic Comedies are on my favorite movies list. (Though such a list doesn't really exist, lol, but if it did those movies would totally be on it!)

22- I have never been on an airplane! Ever! I need to travel more, I know. That's another reason why we are putting off having kids for now...

23- I am OCD about lots of things. Especially about spelling. I think it's amazing when I find misspelt words in a published book. I mean, come on! Really?! I also used to correct people when they didn't speak correctly. Others hate it, so I've stopped (mostly, lol).

24- Ever since I was about 11 people have told me that I am more mature than my age. To this day people tell me this. Really... ask around!

25- I love lists! I also love shoes. And Hubby. I definitely love Hubby!

Today was a great day!

2009-02-24T20:44:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning and I decided I was going to work out both before and after school... then I fell asleep. (Aahhh, sleep...) I woke up way too late to have enough time to go to the gym and make it to school on time so I ended up scratching the double-work-out idea almost instantly. :(

After classes ended (I was on campus until 12:45-ish) I decided to go straight to the gym to work out. I used the elliptical for an hour, did 30 bicep lifts, 30 tricep lifts, an 50 crunches. Normally, I would go home at this point, but I realized it was still early and Hubby wouldn't be home until about 4:30... so I ran again! For another hour. I did 30 more biceps, 30 more triceps, and 50 more crunches!
That equals 2 hours on the elliptical, 60 biceps, 60 triceps, and 100 crunches!
Yay!

It was a HUGE accomplishment for me! The second hour was soo much easier than the first, FYI! :) I felt a huge sense of accomplishment! I "lost/burned" over 1,100 calories (almost the number of calories I am allowing myself to eat every day!!). Because of this huge number, I decided to splurge and allow myself a treat!

IN-N-OUT!!
I wanted In-N-Out really bad and decided it was ok, since I was waaaay below my allotted caloric intake! Hubby agreed I deserved it and took me to the nearest In-N-Out! Woo-Hoo!
I was a happy camper and am still way under my alloted caloric intake after eating some yummy grub! :)

P.S. I absolutely LOVE to workout! I really hope this turns into a true lifestyle change!

=]

Week 1: Update

2009-02-23T10:28:00.000-08:00

So today marks a week that I've been working out and eating better and, let me tell you, I am feeling soooo much better!! Any, by eating better I just mean less calories during the day. (I think I mentioned this before but I am using the iPhone App called "Lose It" and I just enter the food I eat and the exercises I do and it tracks everything for me. I mean, I ate at Denny's yesterday morning with Hubby and was still under my calories at the end of the day!)

Anyway, I had to work out this morning instead of later today because I have class until 9 or 10 PM and I will be very tired by the end of the day, so at 8:30 this morning you could have founf me running at the gym! PLUS, God blessed me with a very light drizzle when I was finished to cool me off! Isn't life great! :)

Well, to update you and (hopefully) convince you to start working out (or to continue if you've already started) I want to show my progress. I will NOT tell you how much I weigh but I will tell you how much I have lost. In one week, I have lost a total of 4.6 pounds! I am so pleased with this number because, though it is not a very big number I still eat brownies and eat out when I want to and I still lose weight! It's so exciting! Can't wait until a month from now! Woo-Hoo!
Don't give up guys! Anything is possible!

Another Update

2009-02-20T21:38:00.000-08:00

For those of you that don't talk to me every day or don't know me on a personal level, I am just going to tell you what I tell everyone I see or talk to every day: I am so sore!!! I almost feel like I'm limping when I walk, lol.

Anyway, I am so excited to say that I have stuck to my exercise routine to-a-T! I have gone to the gym every day since I started! I know, I know: 4 days isn't all that much, but it's a huge step for me and I am so glad I have stuck to it so well! My secret is to go right when I get home.

I walk in, change, and walk out.

I DO NOT sit down nor do I turn the T.V. on
(because then I'll never get back up, haha).

I am enjoying this whole work-out routine because I am feeling a lot better and I have a lot more energy. Though I am still very sore, I love the feeling. I feel like if it hurts, it works. Maybe I'm just crazy but I like it and I hope I keep liking it. I don't want this to just be a week-long-stint either, I want it to be a lifestyle change.

My next thing to overcome is the weekend... oh dear.
The Weekend.

Wish me luck! :)
(I'll keep you posted on that weekend thing, lol)

And because no post is good without a picture I am going to include a picture of my cousins and I after dinner at Tahoe Joe's (one of my favorite restaurants ever) in Bakersfield last weekend:

Love you girlies!

President's Day

2009-02-18T10:15:00.000-08:00

For President's Day/Valentines Day, Hubby and I decided to go visit our parents and see how they were doing since we last saw them (last week, lol).

As the weekend went by, the weather changed from ugly, to beautiful, back to ugly again. When we were finally supposed to go home, we found out that the I-5 was snowed in! Uh-Oh! Luckily, we have a back-up route that goes all the way around. It took us 3 hours, as opposed to the usual 1.5 hours. The drive we took let us see some amazingly beautiful landscapes.

I am going to show a few pictures: some of the kids back home and some of the beautiful mountains, snow, and clouds we encountered. Enjoy!
P.S. Please remember, these are all SOOTC.
Click to enlarge!

Victoria Grace:

Vicky driving:

Jonathan:

The beautiful weather in Arvin, CA:

Driving towards Tehachapi, CA:

You can even see the city way in the background:

I happen to really like trees:

Some amazing colors in the sky:

Some snow-capped mountains:

Really cool looking windmills in Tehachapi, CA:

More Windmills:

Even more windmills, so pretty:

Thanks for looking!
:)

Work-Out Update

2009-02-17T09:27:00.000-08:00

Today, I decided to go workout right after classes ended. I was so excited and went straight to the gym here at my apartment complex. Straight to the stationary bicycle I went. I told myself I was going to be there for at least an hour. Well, I didn't realize an hour would go by so slowly and be so painful, lol. It felt so good though. I am the kind of person that thinks: "If I feel it, it must be working!" Well, I don't really want to wake up tomorrow and feel the pain. My bum was sore after getting off the bicycle immediately afterwards... tomorrow is going to be a painful day. At least I can stay in bed and sleep in since I don't have classes on Wednesdays! After the hour, I did 2 reps of 25 arm exercises (one rep for triceps and 1 rep for biceps). I wanted to start low and work my way up over the weeks. Hopefully I can keep to this new work-out routine, unlike the last time I tried it, haha. Hopefully this will help me with my losing weight goals! :)

Wish me luck!

101 in 1001: #18 - Check!

2009-02-17T08:16:00.001-08:00

Yay!

I finished our taxes (all by myself) last night! I did the free e-file (through turbotax.com) and both the Federal and State taxes were accepted before I woke up the next morning! Amazing!

I am also happy because with the direct deposit option, I get my money in our account before the end of the month!

Yay!

So I finished my taxes Early, just like I wanted! Woo-Hoo!

#018 - CHECK!

Valentine's Day Cupcakes

2009-02-13T01:00:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is around the corner and I just had to make some cupcakes for my friends! I always seem to make cupcakes because they are so easy and they're a blast to decorate! I'm going to keep the writing short because I have quite a few pictures to post!

Here goes:

A bunch of Cupcakes:

A Close Up:

All packed ready to take to school:

A Heart!
(Corny, I know, lol)

Little Packages!

For our Neighbors:

Guess what's Inside:

Mini Cupcakes!!
(Duh!)

Thanks for looking!

Hope you all have a
Happy Valentine's Day!

FYI: Just because I make cupcakes doesn't mean I am eating them!
I am sticking to my aforementioned diet and am still on track!

Weight Loss: START!

2009-02-12T09:03:00.000-08:00

I just decided to start another one of my goals!
I entered this contest for a free photo-shoot by this amazing photographer and, though I didn't win the contest itself, she is giving me a photo-shoot as an early graduation gift!! How amazing is she!
(I can't really say who she is right now, but maybe sometime in the future)

Anyway, I am determined to lose weight for the shoot and for the Senior Ball (which will be around the same time)! I was so excited when she emailed me to tell me about the shoot that I couldn't sleep! I will track all of my workout and everything I eat with you guys here to keep me on track, so expect a new post just about daily! To help me with this I am using an iPhone App called "Lose It" which tracks all of the calories you eat and the workouts you do. I am super excited and can't wait for April!

This also helps me with my 101 in 1001 because I have a few that include losing weight. Yay! Can't wait! Time to see a new, healthier me!

Job Hunt

2009-02-11T10:30:00.000-08:00

I have been counting down the days to graduation since I started school here at Pepperdine way back in August of 2005! Well, I checked my calendar and realized that (since I have Wednesdays off) I only have 37 School Days left of my college career!!
THIRTY-SEVEN! Wow!

Graduation is right around the corner, a little less than three months away, and that means I have to figure out what I am going to do after I graduate, like so many of my classmates! ;)

I was thinking, maybe take a month off, but I think I wouldn't want to ever go back and actually start working, lol. Then I thought, what if I am forced to take a "vacation" for longer than I would want because there are no jobs out there... it's a tough time right now and this recession is not going to help all of the graduating students across the nation! If anyone knows of someone that it hiring and you think I would be a good match (in SoCal please!) let me know. I just started looking for jobs and it's tough... Wish me luck everyone!

Silver lining: GRADUATION IS MAY 2nd 2009!!! YAY!

Movies in 3-D!

2009-02-06T15:16:00.000-08:00

Hubby and I went to the movies last weekend and we couldn't decide which movie to watch. Considering we got there pretty late, we had a limited list of movies to choose from. Well, after a few minutes, we decided to watch the movie called "My Bloody Valentine, 3-D" because my photography teacher said that 3-D movies are getting better and better every day.

Wow, was he right!!

It was such an amazing experience! I could not believe how creepy the movie was and how realistic it all seemed. You could almost reach out and touch the bloody pick or the barn door... It was crazy! I have vowed to watch all movies possible in 3-D! Even the preview for the movie Coraline was in 3-D and I want to watch it as well, lol!

If you get a chance to see a 3-D movie, please do so! It is worth the extra $2 you have to pay for the glasses! (At least they're not the kind of cardboard glasses with red/blue plastic taped into the holes. :) -->

Here are some pictures of Hubby and I in our cool, new, advanced 3-d Glasses! They're fun to wear! =]

Aahhh..... so much fun! :)

If you ever watch a 3-D movie, let me know what you think!

Photo Shoot: Brenda R.

2009-02-04T20:15:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, I took pictures of my cousin, Brenda, and was so happy with how the pictures turned out SOOTC (Straight Out Of The Camera). Once I edited them, I fell in love with them all over again! I am posting the originals as well as the edited versions so you can see what I can do!

Please let me know what you think about them. I hope to do more shoots in the near future!
Thanks for all of the support! :)

P.S. The last one is my absolute favorite! =]

Confessions of a Shopaholic!

2009-02-02T12:31:00.000-08:00

OK... so this book was great! I read it very quickly because I couldn't put it down. I remember I stopped reading it to help Hubby wax his car (I know, I'm an amazing wife aren't I!? =]) and I told him, "I keep thinking commercials are going to end and the movie is going to start again, but it's a book and it's waiting for me to finish it!" Haha. Can you believe it!? It was that catchy!
Anyway, I absolutely loved this book and am now convinced that I have to read the rest of Sophie Kinsella's books. I am so excited for the movie to come out and am going to plan a little something with a bunch of friends to watch it together. **(Remember, this was one of my 101 in 1001?!?!)** Look at how amazing the outfits are for this movie! How elaborate! I wish I could spend the money to dress like this... I sooooo would sport 'em! (Ugh stupid money!) Well, hope you decide to read it if you haven't done so yet. I aways thought I was somewhat of a shopaholic, but now I realize I really am not, especially not compared to Rebecca Bloomwood, lol.

NAMI Ventura

2009-01-30T12:11:00.001-08:00

I am in this class called "Service Leadership" right now and what we have to do is meet with a Non-Profit Organization and help them with some of their problems and give them a few possible solutions. Our group is called BNB Consulting and we are 5 students that have to work for them. Well, we met with NAMI Ventura for the first time on Wednesday (1/28/2009) and I was blown away by all that they do. "What the heck is NAMI," you may be saying. I said the same when I first heard about them. Well, let me tell you a little about what they do and why I decided to do a blog post on them.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a non-profit organization that helps family members of those with mental illnesses. They have a bunch of classes and mentoring that I am so surprised that more people don't know more about them. Most of their classes are absolutely FREE and most of the people that take the classes say "Why didn't I hear about you sooner?" Well, my group, BBNB Consulting, is going to try and help the org. advertise themselves better and we are going to try our best to get the word out about them because they truly are an amazing organization!

I just want to say that if you know anyone with any kind of mental disorder, or if you know anyone that has a family member with a mental disorder, please find your local NAMI organization and get in contact with them ASAP. I promise, it will make a world of difference!

See, I am already starting my job: getting the word out!

Hiking?

2009-01-28T21:45:00.000-08:00

A few days ago, I decided to try and take some sunset pictures and told Hubby I wanted to go to a different location than just from our balcony. Hubby decided to take me to these hills around the corner (that were more like mountains!!). I didn't really know how steep the hill was going to be, so I just wore my flip-flops. Bad Idea! This hill was super steep around the top and it took me for-ever to get to the top. It made me realize just how out-of-shape I really am! It's pretty sad, actually. But once we got to the top, we got some really good pictures of Calabasas and of the sun setting, of course. Here are some shots from that day: Enjoy!

Rattle Snakes?

A Really Cool Tree:

Beautiful Sunset:

It was amazing from the top of the hill:

I don't know why the clouds didn't turn purple/pink, but they were still beautiful:

I really liked this tree:

Here it is again, peeking from the side, lol:

The city and the sun setting:

It was tiresome but fun! :)
Yay!

Vicky's 1st B-Day!

2009-01-21T20:30:00.000-08:00

My Niece, Victoria Grace, turned 1 on January 17th and we celebrated with a huge Birthday Party! At first, she was super annoyed and had a mad face on because she didn't recognize most of the people, but towards the end of the day she really let go and was smiling left and right! I was lucky enough to get plenty of shots of her and her amazing smile! We all got to sport pretty princess crowns throughout the night, you'll see them on all of our heads, lol. Enjoy!!
P.S. There are about 15 pics here... =]

The Birthday Girl!

Her Pinata, cake, and Cupcakes!

Vicky being her adorable self!

Playing Hide & Go Seek! =]

Soo Adorable!

She Loves Balloons!

Getting ready to Cut the Cake!

Vicky and her Big Brother

Hubby, Me, & my sister Alma!

Hubby and I <3

Vicky and her family!

Vicky and her Abui! (grandma)

Jonathan and I

Mom, Jonathan, Vicky, my Brother RJ, and I

and finally:
My Mom and Dad! :)

Letting everyone be Princess for a day is a lot of fun!
=]

Los Molcajetes

2009-01-20T16:22:00.000-08:00

My sister Star works for a company called The Mize Agency as a sort-of consultant with some of their clients. Well, Star is working with The Mize Agency to make Los Molcajetes (a Mexican restaurant in Bakersfield) a website. If you go to their website, you will see that it is still in the starting stages and is in need for some pictures. Well, that's where I come in: I was called to take a couple of pictures of the restaurant to be used in the restaurant.

It was so much fun and my passion for photography keps growing more and more each time I take a picture! Here are just a few pictures SOOTC (Straight Out Of The Camera) for you all to see.

Enjoy and PLEASE, leave me some feedback! (Remember, these are all before any editing!)

The Sign
From another Angle =]
An Eating Area
The Entrance, from the Inside
(Look at the great Brick-Work)
Some of their Art
A Fireplace in the Waiting Area
Details, Isn't he Adorable :)
Look at all of that Alcohol
Another Eating Area
with Beautiful Art and a Plasma TV, lol
A Shot from the Inside Eating Room
A Shot from Across the Street
It was a Beautiful Day!
Beautiful Architecture!
Some of the Wait-Staff
Staff in Action :)
People were parked outside waiting for it to open
half hour early!
That's it for now!

Thanks so much guys!
2009 is off to an AMAZING start!! =]

Just Checking In...

2009-01-19T09:42:00.000-08:00

So, it's been a while since I last posted, but, believe me, there's a lot going on right now!

I am so excited to say that there are plenty of developments happening in my life:
I have already booked my first AND second weddings!! PLUS, today I am shooting for a restaurant in town! I am soo excited! I promise I will come back and post follow-up posts on everything I have mentioned, plus some personal/family stuff too, like Victoria's 1st B-Day Party!

Yay! See you all in a few!

P.S. Sorry for no pictures in this post... I promise I will make up for it later! =]

Date Night!

2009-01-12T08:12:00.001-08:00

Sorry for being such a bad blogger lately... I will post more stuff soon! :)

Hubby and I went on an old fashioned date last night. We went to the movies and had a blast! I want to say that I loved the movies we watched!

First off, Bride Wars: It was good! Not the best I've seen, but I liked it! I love, Love, LOVE Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway, so that helped the movie! Most of the funny scenes were in the previews, but it was funny none the less! I think it's a good movie to watch with a bunch of girlfriends or with people that are recently married or planning a wedding. Its fun! =]

Secondly, Marley & Me: It was really good! Initially, when the movie came out, I didn't really want to watch this movie, as it didn't catch my attention much, but I figured I should watch it after reading a few really good reviews and because I love Jennifer Aniston. This movie was great! It's really a dog-lovers' movie, but is still good for anyone to watch because it's a movie about life. I laughed, I cried, I loved it. BTW, when I say I "cried" I mean I teared up... it's hard for me to cry so tearing up is just like crying to me. (Though, you should have heard some of the people in the theater completely crying, blowing their noses and stuff... Intense!)

Weird thing is, I thought I was going to like Bride Wars most, but that wasn't the case. I do recommend both movies to everyone, though!

P.S. Hubby is great for sitting through these two movies with me!! He's the best!!

<3

Dreams...

2009-01-05T10:55:00.000-08:00

So, I always have dreams! I mean, multiple dreams a night (I generally remember 1-3 of them) and I am always dreaming something as I am waking up! When I am dreaming as I wake up, I wake up feeling as if the dream was REALLY happening! It feels sooooo real! It's really weird, and lots of fun, I think. I also like to go to a dream dictionary website and try and figure out what my dreams could possibly mean.

Well, Sunday night I dreamt I was pregnant. Apparently, it represents the birth of a new idea, direction, project or goal. (I think I know what that is!!!!) Yay.

The weird thing is: last night I dreamt I had a baby girl. Imagine hubby and I with a baby girl!!

Aahh!! So exciting!
Well, I was dreaming this dream of having a baby girl right as I was waking up so I woke up looking to see where I had left my baby. Once I realized it was just a dream, I got a little sad...
:(
It was horrible. It had seemed as if I REALLY did have a baby in my life, and suddenly she was gone. She was so adorable too. When someone else had held her and they were giving her back to me she just clung to me, like "Mommy!"!! It was amazing!

I cant wait to be a mommy!

Hello 2009!

2009-01-01T12:30:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had an amazing time bringing in the New Year! I sure did! I ended up going home and spending it with my family!

My Parents:

My sister Gabriela & her husband Agustin:

My sister Alma & her husband Rufino:

Hubby & I:
Wishing everyone a Happy 2009:

It was so much fun and I wish you all an amazing New Year!
May God Bless you and your loved ones today and always!!

<3

Good Bye 2008!

2008-12-31T23:45:00.000-08:00

It has been an amazing year and I want to thank all of my friends and family for sharing it with me!

So many changes, challenges, and best of all: Blessings this year!

So one last time: Thank You & Good Bye...

Family

2008-12-31T13:26:00.001-08:00

This weekend, as Hubby and I were visiting our parents, we came up with this CRAZY (REALLY Crazy) idea: Let's invite all of the kids to come visit us for a few days and give the adults a bit of a break!
(Sounds reasonable, right!??!??!??)

Anyway, Hubby and I brought the kids over in my parent's truck and drove a few hours home. They brought their PS3 and some movies, and off we were. After driving only 15 minutes, we realized that maybe this wasn't the best idea ever, lol. The youngest (Jonathan, 6) was being such a brat! After calming him down and finally arriving home, we set up camp, haha.

We had 2 blow-up beds and a bed topper laid out on our living room floor for them to sleep. FUN! :)

The first day, Monday, we just stayed in and played games all day. We watched like 3 movies, lol.
Tuesday we went to the mall and to the beach (after Hubby came home from work). We got to take some amazing sunset pictures:

Betito & Agustin:

Gaby:

Jonathan:

Hubby and I:

We Had so much fun! Believe it or not, it went up to 83 degrees that day (DECEMBER 30th 2008).
Wow, the power of SoCal! :)

I Love my family, but I don't think we'll be doing this again anytime soon, lol.

Today is hubby's and my 1 year anniversary!!

2008-12-29T21:30:00.000-08:00

BIG Day today!

Hubby and I got married December 29, 2007 and are celebrating our 1-year anniversary today!

We just want to say "Thank You" to all of our family and friends that remembered our Big Day! You guys are Amazing and we truly appreciate it!

I LOVE YOU, hubby!
Happy 1-Year Anniversary!

Christmas (Eve) Time!

2008-12-26T22:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas is a BIG deal at my house! When I say Big I mean BIG!!
There are so many people, it's hard to keep track.
PLUS, we don't wait until midnight to open presents, only because there's SO many that if we waited until midnight to start, we wouldn't finish until around 3 AM!!
This year we decided to start around 11 PM and we finished at about 2 AM. That should tell you how many of us get together!
(You should have seen the amount of gifts we had, too)

Anyway, here are some pictures from Christmas Eve:

Vicky being her adorable self:

My Brother and nephews:

Vicky messing with the Christmas tree:

Some of the kids waiting for their next gift:

Alma got us all the same shoes:

Look how high the trash was stacked at the end of the night!:

I hope you all had an amazing Christmas Eve as I did with my family!!

Again, Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!! :)

2008-12-24T09:21:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!!

May the Lord Bless you this holiday season and may you all have an amazing New Year!

Also, please remember the reason for the season!

<3 ya!

What do you think??

2008-12-22T21:27:00.001-08:00

So I am super excited for my photography class in January that I decided to learn a few tricks on my own... Let me know what you think: (p.s. It's a little blue/green, but I did that on purpose, I like it better that way!) =]
(Click to enlarge)

Before:

After:

Thanks for the feedback! :)

BTW, I took these pictures on a little trip through Valley Circle. We didn't really know where we were going but we ended up by the 118 freeway, around Simi Valley/Chatsworth area. These are looking off the mountains towards Simi Valley and the 118. You can see the freeway on the bottom-right. Look...

Amazing views!

<3

BREAKING NEWS... =]

2008-12-20T20:35:00.001-08:00

So Baltazar and I bought a fish tank and about 10 fishies about 4 months ago. Two of our fishiess started, how do I put this, umm... making looooveeee (they are called Mollies). The girl is white and the dad is black.

Well, we would see them get it on ALL of the time!! People were over, they were doin'it. They didn't care! lol. Anyway, the mom, Molly (creative name huh!?) got really fat all of a sudden. Then she got skinny again but we saw no babies. Then Hubby spotted a tiny speck of a fish one day (probablly the size of this period mark --> . ), and Molly came around and ate it right in front of our eyes! :( We were sad.

That was about a month or two ago and today Hubby saw a small fishy that looks like a fishy but really, really small!!!

WE HAVE FISH BABIES!!

It was sooo exciting to see it swimming around and stuff so we looked around for another one and we saw a second one!!! Yay!! We are very happy to have two amazing grand-children-fishies!! :)

<3

101 in 1001: #87 - In Progress

2008-12-20T18:01:00.000-08:00

This is a goal I set for my mind (I guess I can tell you this one now): #87 - Re-read Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

I had to read this book in High School in one of my honors English classes and I fell in love with it. On a random trip to Barnes and Noble with the hubby yesterday I saw the book and decided to buy it. Good thing I saw it since it was on my list!! I started reading it this afternoon and am already about 60 pages in! It is such a good book and I hope some of you that haven't read it will decide to do so sometime soon.

Also, I am still doing well with the other two goals I had started a couple of days ago! This 101 in 1001 thing is amazing! =]

Good Luck to all of you trying it!

Love ya!

101 in 1001: #47/#26 - In Progress

2008-12-18T22:07:00.000-08:00

So... I am on a good start towards completing my list... =]

I know, I know. I just started, I'm all excited... blah, blah, blah. Anyways, I AM excited and I am happy to say I have started two of my goals.

The first one is supposed to last a month, so let's see how I do! Hopefully everything goes well!

The two goals do not relate to each other at all and I am glad I jump-started this process! I seriously hope some of you are also pondering this idea. I already got a couple of people to start, so you should give it a try! Good Luck to you all!

Let me know if you start and keep me up to date on your progress!!

"What are your 101 in 1001?"

Wish me luck!!

101 in 1001

2008-12-16T22:32:00.001-08:00

If you haven't heard of this, here is what it basically is:
"The Mission: Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria: Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).So I made my list and I am very proud! It took me 2 days to come up with 101 things to accomplish, but I finally finished and I can't wait to get started."

I thought it was an amazing idea and I started immediately! I hope I can inspire some of you to do this as well. Hopefully your list doesn't look like this:

lol

Instead of doing New Year's resolution, you can do this. Plus, you'll have almost 3 years to accomplish all 101 things! You can pick your start date and figure out your end date here.

I also gave myself an incentive: at the end of the 1,001 days, I will buy myself something nice. The catch is, I only get to spend $2 for every goal I reach! BUT, if I accomplish less than 75 goals, I have to donate $2 for each goal I don't accomplish to any charity instead of buying my something nice! Either way, someone wins! =]

Hopefully your list is full of great goals! I know mine is!
I will keep you all updated on how I am doing. Maybe I'll reveal my list as i go... we'll see! ;)

December!

2008-12-16T21:25:00.000-08:00

December is an amazing time of year in my family! We always have lots going on this time of year just because of the holidays, but Man, are we busy!!

First there's my brother Jr's Birthday on the 22nd. He's turning 20 this year.

Then there's Christmas Eve/Christmas. We have an absolutely HUGE family so Christmas is extra crazy!

Hubby's and my Anniversary is on the 29th (we hit the BIG 1-year mark this year!! I hope Hubby reads this and remembers how special it is to me, lol. J/k, he knows better than that!)

After our Anniversary is my Dad's B-Day on the 30th! He turns 50 this year so we are making a HUGE deal by throwing him an amazing party but, shhhh, it's gonna be a surprise so please don't tell! =]

THEN, it's my parent's Anniversary on the 31st!! (I warned you about all of our celebrating this month...) They are celebrating their 31st year of marriage!! Amazing, right!! They're a huge inspiration to all of us!

After the 31st is New Year's, of course! And that's always fun!! (Hubby and I are staying home for New Year's so hopefully we can still enjoy the celebration!)

And that's it for December through New Year's Eve and New Years. But to go just one more day in, my oldest sister, Gabriela's B-day is on the 2nd of January and her baby daughter, Vicky's 1st Birthday is on the 17th of January! Wow... That's a lot of Celebrating in one month's span if you ask me!!!

But: I'm NOT complaining! It's actually pretty amazing!! =]
You will all see how each of these events pan out since I will be taking LOTS of pictures and I will be showing them off to you all in blog-world! Yay!

If you haven't Noticed...

2008-12-14T21:48:00.000-08:00

It's beginning to look a lot like
Christmas!!

I'm Baaaaaa-aaaack!!

2008-12-14T21:16:00.001-08:00

So I have been soooooooo out of the loop these past four months (this semester) and I have lots to make up for!

You have to understand, though... I mean, if you were a business student at Pepperdine and you took Policy with Seshan you would DEFINITELY understand, lol. Anyway, I was way to stressed and way too busy to do anything but HW, papers, projects, cook, and clean... so sorry to the few loyal readers I have had, lol...

I finally finished the semester last Wednesday and can finally come back to you, dear blog friends. I have only 1, yes ONE, semester of college left and I will not abandon you again. You see, next semester will be Super-Chill!! Here is a list of courses I am signed up for:

Humanities III
Service Leadership
Piano, and
Photography

Amazing, right!! I can't wait!!

PLUS, I am taking FULL advantage of the photography class and, in preparation, my amazing father bought me an early Christmas gift: Nikon D80!! As I have said before, BE JEALOUS!! =] I hope this is the start of an hobby that will some day be more than just that. Can't wait!! :)

Anyway, I want to mention my amazing friend and twin, Carmelle... She had a harsh past couple of weeks and I want her to know I am thinking of her waaaay over here in the west coast! =] I also want to send some readers her way: you can read her blog here! Enjoy!

Thanks for reading!

Back to School

2008-08-29T14:50:00.000-07:00

So it's time to go back to school and I am actually pretty excited, believe it or not!

I mean, I'm a senior!! It's so exciting and, even though it's going to be a very stressful year, I can't wait to experience our last year with all of my Pepperdine friends!! I have a busy schedule with classes, a job, and an internship with Northwestern Mutual, but I will try my best to make the best of it.

Because of my busy months coming up, I just wanted to ask you all for your thoughts at this time. I will need your prayers because not only do I have to be a student too, but I wanna be an amazing wife all the while and I know it's going to be tough.

Jesus will be with me through all of this and I can't wait until May 2, 2009!!
(Mark your calendars!!!)

GRADUATION!!

=]

It's Official!!

2008-08-06T12:39:00.000-07:00

So Monday I decided it was finally the day to make things official...
Off to the Social Security Office I went!

Believe it or not, I changed my name!

I kept my full first name as my parents had named me, and I kept my maiden last name too... so what exactly did I change??

Well, I hyphenated! I added my husband's last name to the end of my maiden last name!
It was amazing!

Yay!! =]

Health: Day 1

2008-07-15T21:41:00.000-07:00

So Hubby and I have decided it was time to start worrying about our health. We decided to go to the local gym Tuesdays and Thursdays, and play a few sports (tennis, basketball, etc.) on other days. Well, today was day one...

...and workout we did. We were there for about an hour, didn't want to over-work ourselves on the first day, lol. =] I ran about 3.25 miles and did a few reps on my arms. I am so excited about this new schedule of ours, and I really hope we keep with it. I wanna loose a few pounds and there isn't a better time than the present!

Wish us luck!!

Cooking - Dessert: Father's Day Cupcakies! YUMx2!!

2008-06-16T15:08:00.000-07:00

Father's Day Cupcakes were a success. I told my niece and nephews I'd make cupcakes for them so they can decorate some for their dad's. Well, it was so much fun! They decorated cupcakes for almost a whole hour!!

Here are some pictures of our productive
Father's Day Morning!!

Undecorated Cupcakes & Decorating Materials:

Close-Up of Decorating Stuffs:

Sprinkles, Chocolate Chips, and White/Milk Chocolate Chips:

My Nephew, Agustin (9) sitting proud with his 1st decorated cupcake!
Yay!

My Nephew, Betito (10), and my Niece, Gaby (15) decorating away!!

My last nephew, Jonathan (5) sitting proud with his over-decorated cupcake! =]

As you can see, Father's Day Cupcakies Day was a Success!!
FYI, if you haven't noticed, I have 3 nephews and 2 nieces (one niece, the 5 month-old
posted on a past post, isn't shown here) and I couldn't be a happier aunt!!

You should try decorating cupcakes with a bunch of kids, it's amazing!! =]
P.S. It's really, Really hot back home which is why 2 of the kids don't have their shirts on, lol.
Sorry if they're inappropriate, hehe.

Cooking - Dessert: Father's Day Funnel Cakes!!! YUM!

2008-06-14T21:30:00.000-07:00

For father's day, hubby and I decided to go visit our parents for the weekend so Saturday morning, off we were!
After swimming, playing with the baby, and having a carne asada, something caught my eye. It was a bag of powdered sugar. This may seem weird to you but since I've been baking and cooking so much (the housewife in me, lol), I felt like I just had to make something with it. I asked my dad what he wanted me to make (so long as it included powdered sugar). The first thing he said was "Funnel Cakes!" Funnel cakes....?? I don't even know how to make them or... Funnel cakes? Really?? Well, ok. Dad wanted it so Google and I became acquainted once again.

I found this quick and easy recipe on line and quickly started to work since all of the ingredients are things you'd normally have at home! Let me tell you... they were DELICIOUS!!! =] I was so glad I made them. They were going faster than I could make them so I decided to eat small pieces as I was making some more. Father's Day Funnel Cakes were a success!

Here are a few pictures of my funnel cakes:

Add some strawberry marmalade... Yummy!!

Six Flags ain't got nothin' on me! =]

You should all give them a try!
Not as difficult as you'd think.
Good Luck!

Cooking - Dinner: Beef Enchiladas

2008-06-13T19:01:00.000-07:00

I had planned to make Enchiladas for dinner tonight since Monday evening. After checking in the fridge to make sure we had everything I was good to go! I decided I would take pictures of every step so I can teach others how to make Mexican Beef Enchiladas through my blog. Anyway, here are the directions along with pictures for all to follow (p.s. I really like cheese so feel free to omit some where ever you'd like)!! Good Luck and Enjoy!

Ingredients:
-1 lb ground beef
-2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
-16 oz of Salsa
-1 can of enchilada sauce (I prefer "Las Palmas")
-1 Packet of Taco meat seasoning (I use "Taco Bell" brand)
-1/4 cup of water
-8 Corn Tortillas

Directions:
1.) Heat all 8 tortillas and set aside to be used later
2.) Brown mean and drain. Add 1/2 cup of cheese, meat seasoning, water, and 8 oz of salsa to meat and heat until everything is mixed well and cheese is melted

3.) Open enchilada sauce can and pour sauce in a semi-deep plate (you need something wide enough so you can put the tortillas in one at a time but deep enough to hold the sauce)
4.) Put the remaining salsa (and cheese if you'd like) on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent the enchiladas from sticking when baked. (I like to use a squared baking dish and make 2 layers of 4 enchiladas)

5.) Dip a tortilla in the sauce plate, covering the front and back with sauce.
6.) Add some of the meat mixture and, if you'd like, a bit more cheese.
7.) Fold the tortilla over and place in the baking dish, over the salsa, seam side down
8.) Repeat with all 8 tortillas, adding a small layer of cheese between each layer of enchiladas
9.) Place in oven at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted10.) Add a dab of sour cream and enjoy!

Cooking - Dessert: Cupcakies!! =]

2008-06-13T14:58:00.000-07:00

I have been in such a baking mood lately so I decided to make some cupcakes! I realized I didn't have cake mix or anything to bake with so off to Albertson's I went. Well, not only did I buy cake mix but I bought 2 large tubs of white frosting, a package of food coloring, and plenty of decorating sprinkles. After baking them I asked Hubby to help me decorate... We had a blast decorating them! My cousins showed up later that day (before I got to take pictures, which is why I only have 6 in the pictures, lol. They were so delicious (and pretty), I didn't want to eat any of them! I mean, look at this one with a palm tree and a sun... art!! =]

In other news, I wanted to show off my first plant! It's an Orchid I got at a wedding (it was used as a centerpiece, neat right!?). It is so beautiful and it has grown 2 flowers since I got it. One of them is barely blooming, see? It's so pretty isn't it!? I Love it!

Anyway, enough blabbing on for today! I'll post any more baking I do for inspiration. Father's day is right around the corner... Maybe I'll do something like this for dad! Hmm...

Fun: Our Wedding Bio!

2008-06-11T12:21:00.000-07:00

As an "LA Knottie" I feel as though I have to make a bio to show everyone my hard work lived out. I finally decided to make my bio (about 6 months after the wedding) but nevertheless, it's done. Click HERE and you will see pictures of the wedding, a reiew of all on our vendors, and neat ideas for someone else's wedding. Later I will post more pictures of the wedding as well as the engagement soot beforehand! Here are a couple of pictures of the engagement shoot, more pictures to come in the near future.

Fun: Isn't it funny...

2008-05-16T17:10:00.000-07:00

So Hubby and I have just moved in to out new apartment and it's all that we wanted and so much more! The place is very well kept and the base color scheme is beautiful. After a day of living in this place with bare walls, no dining table, and a bed we decided it was time to make this apartment our home!

As many of you know: Target is an amazing place! You can find just about anything for a reasonable price. So off to Target we went. We spent more money than I thought possible, and mostly on cleaning products!! As we looked at their "furniture" Hubby and I realized we could find better deals elsewhere. Off we were to Burbank just to go to Ikea!! One of my absolute favorite places to go (now that I have been to a couple of them)! Well, we got so carried away... well, I got so carried away that we ended up buying a cart full of things as well as a furniture cart full of things. Now our only problem was fitting everything into my car! Luckily, the 6 is a hatch and everything fit (barely, but hey, who cares. It fit!!) =]

Once we got home, we realized we had to put everything together ourselves, but we had so much fun doing it! After about 2 afternoons working on a dining table, 4 chairs, 2 side tables, a coffee table, a desk, a TV stand, and a 3-drawer cabinet, we can finally look at our apartment as a home! I picked everything just as I wanted it and, I have to say, I did a pretty great job!

Well, I just wanted to point out that I have 2 new favorite things to do: Cook and clean! Believe it or not, I love to clean my place, I think it's because it's MY (well technically 'our' place but who's keeping track?) place and not my parents. Maybe I have this all wrong, but I am glad I love to clean because our home smells good and is appealing to all of the senses! =]

Can't wait for my first visitors! Yay!

P.S. I'm so glad I am the one who watches the bank account and not Hubby! ;)

Work: Life, Health, and Accident Insurance...

2008-04-22T17:42:00.000-07:00

This summer I have the pleasure of working for an amazing company, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network: The Beer Group, but there are a few prerequisites before I can work for them. First of all, I have to take a 52-hour course (all the way in Santa Ana, BTW) to learn all about Insurance and California's Department of Insurance Laws and all that good stuff. Then, I had to take (and PASS) the California Licensing exam. It is 150 multiple choice questions regarding 16 chapters of the Insurance book I had to buy for the course. Anyway... to make this otherwise lame boring interesting (to me) I PASSED!! I will be the person to explain the fine print to you! =] I was so sure I wasn't going to pass because I hadn't studied as much as I would normally have but I passed. It was a HUGE mistake to schedule this Licensing exam in the middle of my finals, but eh... I got through it! =] YAY for me!! I am so excited to finally be able to not have to worry about the weekend classes or the exam anymore. Now, I'm off to make some money, or at least I hope to make some money...

That's a different story.

Fun: Santa Monica/Malibu Beaches!

2008-04-13T19:01:00.000-07:00

So my beautiful cousins
^ (this is them) ^

decided to come and visit me this weekend in Malibu. I was so excited because it had been so long since we had hung out and we all needed to get away from being 'adults' for a while! We met up at Santa Monica, walked to the Pier and had dinner at MariaSol, a Mexican restaurant all the way at the end of the long pier (it was pretty good, but they took forever with our food/drinks and it was sorta expensive, but not too bad). Here is a picture of my cousins and I on the pier:

(Brenda, Me, & Cristina)

After having dinner and walking back to our cars (for-ever far away, by the way) we were all tired from driving all day so we decided to have an "early" night... little did we know we were going to end up talking for hours, spontaneously walking down to the beach, and not going to sleep until close to 1 am!!
(By the way, I had to wake up at 5:45 am the next morning to go to my weekend insurance classes)
Do you think I woke up??

Of course I did!! I am responsible, you know!
**So proud of myself**

Anyway, here are a couple of other pictures from that night:
(Notice the M & B for Maria & Baltazar!! =] Amazing, I know! lol)

I love these girls!^

It was such an amazing weekend and I am so grateful to have been blessed with such great cousins! Though we have been through some rough patches, our friendship has never ceased to exist and I am glad our good times are better than our bad!
Soooo much better!! =]

P.S. Here is a picture of Hubby and I on the Pier with the sun setting on the ocean!
Breathtaking, I know!
;)

Thanks for reading! Keep checking for more updates! =]