BEACH BABES

Before I became an aunt, I knew little to nothing about babies.  I didn't babysit in high school and when people around me did have children, I'd avoid holding them for fear that I'd make them cry. Babies always seemed so very fragile.

Of course, much has changed since my two nephews entered the picture... and boy, I sure am glad it did. Although children can be difficult at times, there is something so sweet, so special, and so exciting about watching a little life form before your eyes.  I get a front row seat to these boy's childhoods.  I get to watch their little personalities unfold.  I've been able to re-experience innocent wonderment, reliant trust, and jump-up-and-down-excitement all over again through these little boys, and those are gifts that I cherish deeply.

Now, being a Californian through-and-through, I LOVE the beach, but of course, familiarity breeds contempt (or in this case, indifference)... until I was reminded of how other-worldly it really is.  Recently my younger nephew experienced the beach for the first time, while the older one got to dig around in the sand and I was able to document those sweet moments below.  Because we were in Half Moon Bay, it was pretty chilly and the fog rolled in quickly, but it was beautiful, nonetheless.  My two beach babes had a great time and I was thankful for the reminder of just how much fun the beach can be :)

IT'S ANOTHER MONDAY MIXER!

It's time for another Monday Mixer!

So what exactly do I mean? Here's a quick definition: Mixer /ˈmiksər/ n. An informal party arranged to give people an opportunity to get acquainted.

How it works: I will list off several random things and you can feel free to respond with comments on how you can/cannot relate or maybe even with your own random Monday list!  Let's do this!

My fingers are double-jointed. 

I am in love with white furniture. It's so chic.

I am the only person in my family who does not drink coffee... even my two-year-old nephew loves it!

My latest obsession is Seinfeld. I find it hilarious and entertaining.

I crave chocolate daily.

I'm slowly learning that less is more and small is the new big.

I finished my Christmas shopping early this year. *High-five myself*

Today is my half-birthday!  Meaning it's exactly 6 months until my actual birthday... Yay!

I believe in the power of prayer.

Mexican food can solve all problems.  It does for me anyway.

My husband amazes me daily with his incredible patience for me.

Brrr! I hate being cold. Bring on the warm sunshine!

Adoption is still a growing passion in my heart. One day, Lord-willing.

I (heart) scarves. Functional fashion!

We now have a television. And it's awesome.

I LOVE getting emails from people interested in photo shoots (yasmin@yasminsarai.com) and bringing beautiful ideas to life. Fun stuff!

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Feel free to post your own fun facts in the comments! Happy Monday y'all!

HELLO SEATTLE

This morning Kurt dropped me off at the aiport and I slept my way through a flight to Seattle, Washington.  As soon as I arrived in the Pacific northwest, it made total sense why people over here are crazy about their coffee.  The rainy weather makes me want to stay inside and get cozy with a mug of something warm.

So why in the world am I here in Seattle, you ask? Well, several weeks ago I shared my video entry for RESTART, a business makeover at creativeLIVE in Seattle, with one of my greatest inspirations, Jasmine Star.  Last year, when I decided to pursue a career in photography it was her words, on her blog, in her magazine Exposed, and at her speaking tour theFIX that helped me along early on and to have the opportunity to learn from her personally would be amaaazing.

Well, I was not chosen for the business makeover, but I was chosen to be one of the in-studio attendees... therefore, I am here in Seattle and tomorrow morning I get to be a part of the class... LIVE! I'm sooo excited!

In 2013, I am ready to face fears and embrace change; it's quickly becoming the theme of my year. From Jasmine's blog:

That's what RESTART is about: creating change. Lots of change. Because what most of us want are results, but we're also resistant to change. And change? Well, that's the grit that makes results manifest itself. The bigger the change, the bigger results. During RESTART we're going to deconstruct components of your business with a new purpose and rebuild these components throughout the makeover process. There will be an intention; you'll know why you're doing what you're doing. The best news is RESTART has little to do with me and everything to with you. Your dreams, your desires...and what we can do to bring them to life. Starting this Wednesday at 9am PST, and over the next three months, we'll rebuild the parts of your business that are keeping you from growing and connect with other photographers going through the same process. RESTART isn't about one person...it's about a group of people dedicated to making a change. 

If you are interested in checking it out, you can totally join in on the class!  Tomorrow morning, the class will be broadcasted online for free, starting at 9am PST through about 5pm.

I am ready to learn and do the hard work... I will try to post about what I'm learning, so check out my Facebook page for updates! See you online friends!

MY HEAD SHOTS FROM PROMISE TANGEMAN'S SITEHOUSE GO LIVE EVENT

While I was in Phoenix this past summer at the SiteHouse GO LIVE Event with Promise Tangeman, along with tons of help getting our new websites up and running, all the attendees got new head shots taken!

And I came prepared to rock it out!  Mint nails, glitter, bows... I brought it all! ;)  I was even able to bring in Kurt for a few shots, which was so special to me because this day was our 1 year anniversary!  I'm so happy I have these photos to document it!

These photos were taken by the lovely Alejandra Vidal of Imaginale Design.  It was awesome getting to talk to Ale about photography and faith during my time in Phoenix.  We were able to connect on a bunch of things, so meeting her was definitely one of the highlights of the trip!  Be sure to check out her blog too... she does beautiful work and tells funny stories too!

I can't say enough about how awesome that workshop is... and from what I've heard, Promise might be taking it to a NEW city soon!!! ;)  Don't worry, I'll keep you posted!  For now, here are my head shots:

GOODBYE 2012... HELLO 2013!

2012 was quite an adventure... one that I knew would require courage.

Like last year (and any year, really), whatever 2013 holds for me is a total mystery.  All I know is that there are many changes coming, big and small, some that I'm choosing to make and others that are not my choice but simply a part of life.  However, through it all, I will strive to remember this one thing: God is good.

I'm ready to take on this new year and I am so thankful that I have Kurt by my side to celebrate the successes, endure the failures, and have a few good laughs along the way.  Here's to more kisses, deeper faith in God, and lots of glitter in 2013!