My Darling Sunshine

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my darling
sunshine

Everyday inspirations that make you wonder, think, and smile.
Think of it as the bright side of things, because life is so full of Passion, Lifestyle, and Creativity! Don't you think?

Sunday, August 21, 2011,3:42 PM

Love For Creativity

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Not too long ago, I discovered a new hobby that I'm passionate about -- Painting. I have constantly tried to find a concept for my artwork -- a particular style that I can extend across a variety of subjects that coincides with who I am as a person and designer.

During my trip in Chicago, I was heavily inspired by the old and new architecture, street signs, and typography surrounding the city. There, I finally found it. I found Me. Meanwhile, I thought... how do I take all the inspirations I've acquired to create something that represent me? My creativity was at work to find the answer. I've always loved typography. I get sucked by it everywhere I go. Then I thought for a moment... That's it! From there, I decided to incorporate typography and expressed my work through abstraction, colors, and shapes in a Modern/Vintage approach to represent each subject. Some are conceptually abstract (try to figure out what it communicates) and some are non-representational, however most are purely typographic and aesthetically pleasing.

VEGAS PRIMARY STRIPES / #1

(11.25" X 14" Oil/Acrylic - Hand-Painted Unique Original on Wood)

NEW YORK BLACK & YELLOW ON WHITE / #2

(11.25" X 14" Acrylic - Hand-Painted Unique Original on Wood)

Labels: design, painting, typography, wood

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Wednesday, August 3, 2011,6:19 PM

The Windy City / 7.2011

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Wed - 7.20.2011

Virgin America

Flight 810

Los Angeles, CA / LAX 5.55 PM

Chicago, IL / ORD 11.45 PM

My adventure in Chicago was an amazing experience. It was my first independent exploration to a city I had never been to -- and it was wonderful. It was also nice to be able to spend some time with my cousin who I seldom see and my friend from college while I was there.

Chicago is definitely a place to get inspired. I was so amazed at everything. It is such a beautiful city -- with plants in the color of lush green and gardens in the middle of the city. Rivers, lakes, parks, gardens, boats, city life, fantastic food, 24/7 bars... what more can you ask for! This is the reason why I fell in love with Chicago. So many architecture inspirations, art, design... anything a passionate individual would be inspired by. Everything surrounding Chicago is so full of life and excitement. It was nice to meet many young professionals who have also been inspired by this town.

The city life hustles and bustles in the daytime throughout the night. Even the bars open 'til 4 AM! Some open 24/7. It's unheard of in LA for sure. There are so many things to do in Chicago, you'll just never find yourself sitting at home doing nothing. At least I won't be the one, unless of course, if I had a long week at work and just want to relax. I have to say, since I moved from San Francisco to the suburbs of LA, I do miss the freedom to get from one place to another by foot. Whether it be during the day or night, it's nice to get a breath of fresh air knowing that you're not the only one on the street. It's a great feeling to be outdoors when everything isn't so far away.

The second day of my trip, I planned out a day-to-day things to do for the rest of my stay. Talk about organization! I wanted to make the most out of my trip. I was so enthusiastic about it, I didn't want to miss anything. I did about 90% of the exploration by myself and covered a whole lot. My cousin gave me a map, and surprisingly I figured out how to get around the city pretty quickly. It was awesome. Not to mention, there are so many friendly people there who kindly guided me when I wasn't sure where I was going. I did a total of approximately 50 miles of walking or something in the course of the trip -- at least it felt like it! I took the train on some parts, but did a lot of walking in the Chicago hot and humid weather. I walked around with a map on my hand, a tote bag full of brochures, and a camera on my shoulder. Yes, you can literally spot me as a tourist there because I just didn't seem to see anyone else walking around with a map! I did try to look for at least one, but had no luck. So, I simply put that thought aside and continued to walk.

My experience of traveling by myself is I got to explore without limit. The only limit was my energy -- because I was only responsible for myself. I love to be independent when I can. It was quite nice. I learned how to get around and get to know the areas. At times, I would stop in my tracks to talk to people and make new friends. You'll find many friendly people in the Mid West. And no, they're not being nice to eventually kidnap you. They are just good-natured people, which is why I love the environment.

I did not regret one bit about this trip. It has been amazing. The only downside is I got a skin allergic reaction from something I have never gotten before towards the half-end of my trip. Still couldn't figure out what the culprit is. The only thing I could pinpoint was waking up with little bumps around my legs and arms. Detergent? But anyways, let's not go there any further. I'm suppose to be talking about my awesome trip here! It was incredible and wouldn't have done it any other way!

Labels: photography, vacation

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Friday, May 6, 2011,2:30 PM

The Mermaid's Gaze / Wood Art

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Similar technique. More intricate and detailed than Reincarnation #1.

Labels: design, painting, wood

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Wednesday, April 20, 2011,10:43 PM

Reincarnation / Wood Art

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Remember when I said I have a long list of projects I wanted to do but didn't get a chance to? Well, this was on that list. I have been wanting to do paintings on wood, and... finally! It feels so good to know that you have accomplished something.

This was my first take on oil paint and painted portraits -- my very very first wood art. I titled it "Reincarnation #1." The medium: oil paint, oil pastels, and colored pencils. My initial sketch was going to be a bit grungy, but I figured it wouldn't work out with the color palette I started so I made it a "pure" version. The result I think is pretty good, but I would try a different approach and technique on the next one. I will be producing a series or similar type artwork to sell. It'll be a start up of my side business. I will keep you posted once I produce enough to sell :).

*Selling Note: This type of artwork will be handmade and original, therefore expect a higher price range than those that are digitally printed. I may produce some digital prints, but don't expect the same outcome as the originals. These artwork will be modified from the original art to work for digital prints.

Hope you enjoy it! Please give me some suggestions and feedback too! Would love to hear from you!
Comment on the "comments" link below.

Labels: painting, wood

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Saturday, April 9, 2011,3:03 AM

My Precious Little Tuna

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I was able to capture Tuna's precious self, right before she went to bed. She looked so adorably sweet with her puppy eyes -- I just had to document it!

"If you haven't met me, I'll tell you a little bit about myself. I am a female Rat Terrier, currently 11 months old... it's almost my birfday! I wonder what Mommy and Daddy will get my for my birfday................. Anyhooo, I'm a bit shy and nervous when I meet strangers, but I'll slowly warm up to you if you treat me kindly, patient, and give me attention! I honestly have 2 big ears --That's how I have super amazing hearing! Everyone tells me I'm super duper cute, but I just like to look at them and pretend like I'm not with my big eyes. Yes -- I love to sleep! I'm hyper, but I use up all of my energy for a few hours, then my body crashes. I sleep on my bed, but I love Mommy's bed the most. I like to cuddle with Mommy because she gives me comfort and a lot of attention. These are the only things I would tell you. If you want to know more, you can meet me and I will give you all of my love."

I realized this could be a start to my doggie album...
I'll gather up my old to current photos of Bella and Tuna. Although, I don't think I have many photo series of Bella... I'll see what I can find. I'll probably do Tuna first, since her 1st Birthday is near!

Labels: dogs, photography

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Sunday, March 27, 2011,12:41 AM

Beignet Galore

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If you didn't know, Beignets are French Doughnuts -- usually served with Café Au Lait.
Mmm Mmm good...

These mouth-watering (famous recipe) fillers are sold at a French Market Coffee stand called Café Du Monde in New Orleans. People rave about this Café and their infamous doughnuts. So I found this recipe that (they say) is close to the original recipe! From what I've made and tasted, they are AMAZINGLY good-alicious!

Beignet Recipe

Yield 12 Servings

Ingredients:

1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon yeast
1/4 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup boiling water
1 cup evaporated milk
2 eggs, beaten
7 1/2 cups flour
1 quart vegetable oil for frying
1 cup confectioners' sugar for dusting

Directions:

1. Pour 1/2 cup room temperature water into a small bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let stand for about 5 minutes to dissolve.

2. Combine the shortening, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Pour the boiling water over the shortening mixture and then stir in the evaporated milk. Wait for the mixture to cool down until it is lukewarm. Then, add the yeast and water mixture and beaten eggs.

3. Slowly mix in the flour until the dough forms a ball. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

4. Working with a small portion (a little larger than a baseball) at a time, roll out the dough 1/8-inch thick. Cut the rolled out dough into strips 2 to 3-inches wide, then cut again in the opposite direction and at an angle, making diamond shapes.

5. Heat your oil for frying in a deep and wide, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat to 360 degree F (180 degrees C).

6. Slide dough slowly into the oil to avoid splattering and deep fry until they puff up and are golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Carefully remove onto a rack with paper towels underneath and allow to cool until you can handle them. Place in a clean paper bag with confectioners' sugar and shake gently until covered generously or, use a sifter to dust the beignets with powdered sugar.

*Note:

Wrap any remaining dough with plastic wrap and it will keep in the fridge up to a week.

Make sure to serve right away while they're hot. Don't forget the Café Au Lait! Relax on the front porch, backyard, at the dining table, or the kitchen bar... sip your coffee and enjoy these delightful doughnuts. :)

Labels: food, photography

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Wednesday, March 9, 2011,5:21 PM

Fast or Feast

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If you don't already know, we are now in the season of Lent.

In the Catholic tradition, Lent is the period of the liturgical year leading up to Easter. Lent is a time of sacrifice for Jesus. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer -- through prayer, fasting, self-denial, Christian growth, penitence, conversion, and simplicity.

Lent, which comes from the "Teutonic" (Germanic) word for springtime, can be viewed as a spiritual spring cleaning: a time for taking spiritual inventory and then cleaning out those things which hinder our corporate and personal relationships with Jesus Christ and our service to him. Thus it is fitting that the season of Lent begin with a symbol of repentance: placing ashes mixed with oil on one's head or forehead. However, we must remember that our Lenten disciplines are supposed to ultimately transform our entire person: body, soul, and spirit. Our Lenten disciplines are supposed to help us become more like Christ.

"Becoming by grace what God is by nature."

Undecided whether to Fast or to Feast this Lenten season?

Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ dwelling in them.
Fast from focusing on differences; feast on the unity of all life.
Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.
Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.
Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger; feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.
Fast from worry; feast on trust.
Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.
Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.
Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.
Fast from hostility; feast on nonviolence.
Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.
Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.
Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.
Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.
Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.
Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.
Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.
Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.

May our fasting and feasting during this season of Lent purify our hearts and minds that we may more worthily heed the voice of the One who beckons us, "Come and follow me." (taken from the Holy Family Bulletin / credits to Monica Obaldo).

Labels: personal

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