Photoshoot at Home

Ed and I decided to arrange a casual photoshoot at home before Maddie's first birthday to capture some moments of our family as the three of us before #2 arrives! Our friend Angel recommended a local photographer, Thomas Ng, who did a few photo sessions for her family previously. I liked the way how Thomas stayed more or less in the background, observing us and snapping away instead of directing us too much. The photos turned out really natural and I loved the composition of a lot of the photos. Here are some highlights!

Haha I love the expression of Ed and Maddie here

- T

It's Brunch Time

My good friend from home came to visit LA this week to help her sister move into a new apartment. We took them to Melrose for some scrumptious brunch and a little shopping. Although we waited about an hour for a table at Blu Jam (only because we had a dog with us), we were so hungry that every bite was to die for (food post coming soon!).  

I haven't seen these girls for almost a year! So despite the wait, it was so great finally catching up with them! 

Anyway, thought I'd try this new hand cuff out!

STYLE | sunglasses: from my mom's closet | hand cuff: topshop | shorts: nastygal | clutch: kimski

PHOTOGRAPHER | ryan feng

- C

DIY: Marquee Light

When I lived in the OC, I came across this cute store called Oh Hello Friend in Downtown Fullerton. It sold little knick knacks, jewelry, stationary and more. I stepped into the store for the first time, and knew it was game over. And yes, I was right - I bought too many things my first time and went back for more a week later. I chatted with the Sales Associate and she told me to check out the blog. If you haven't been there, you should go check it out!

I came across this lovely DIY to make a Marquee and if you follow me on Pinterest, you know that I LOVE letters, so I decided to make one myself. 

You can check out the tutorial I followed here on Oh Hello Friend Blog, OR you can follow along below. If you ever try this, feel free to ask me any questions!

Things you'll need:

- 8" or 12" Paper Mache Letters

You can get them online from Consumer Crafts or I bought mine at Joann's. Etsy also has them but a little bit more expensive.

- Spray Paint

I used Rust-o-leum like their tutorial because I love the Metal look. But you can use other colors and textures as well. I got mine at Michael's but they also sell them at Home Depot.

- String Lights 

I found mine in the outdoor section of Target. Depending on how many letters and how many lights you'd like, you may need more than 1-2 packs (I used 1.5 packs and saved the extra bulbs for another project).

- Xacto Knife

- Drill 

I got mine at Home Depot and they were really helpful in finding one that is easy to use. Mine is a Ryobi and the drill bit is 5/16. Super light!

Let's Begin!!

1. Cut along the edges of the letters. I didn't leave any space for more surface area and cut right along the edges.

2. Flip the letters over and pencil in the spacing you'd like between each bulb. Then drill through the cardboard where you have marked.

3. Find an outdoor space and spray paint your letters.  The back is not necessary. I waited a few hours and they were all dry!

4. Take your bulbs and put them through the drilled holes, and attach the string at the back.

5. After you've done that for all your letters.. TA DA!! Plug them in and test it out!!

I put it on top of my bookshelf, but I haven't filled the space up yet. What do you think?

london

I went to London last week for a business trip.  The last time I was there, it was 2005 and I had gone during college spring break... I know what you're thinking, why London of all places? And it's true, London at that time of year was certainly not an ideal spring break destination, it was dreary and cold just like the north east where I was studying.  But my parents invited me, so why not.  Anyway, last week was fantastic.  I not only caught "what Londoners said" the nicest weather they've had in seven years, I was also there for the birth of the royal baby.  I managed to squeeze in some time to check out the touristy spots with my boss and I must say London is beautiful.

Sony Pictures office on the left!

To see more photos, you can follow me on instagram!

- E

Happy 1 year!

July 4th was my one year anniversary with Los Angeles. Yup! I flew into LA on July 4th 2012, and started my adventures.. I wanted to tribute this post to reminiscing on all the fun things I've done so far.. It's crazy to even think that it's already been a year!

1/ Watching dance videos on YouTube was and still is a big part of my lifestyle. Back when I lived in HK and NY, my friends and I would "fan girl" over America's Best Dance Crew winners, and YouTube famous choreographers, and aspire to create something as great as them. Working with my good friend Jon and World of Dance gave me the most wonderful opportunity to be in the midst of the LA dance action! 

2/ Then not long after I moved to LA, I met this guy, who's changed my life for the better.

3/ I went home and danced in a commercial with my sister for Nikon! The camera crew set up loud speakers outside on the streets of HK and had me dance in public while it was raining! Erin got to hold a Nikon camera and pretend to videotape me dancing. Check it out here!

4/ Of course we can't forget Maddie joining the fam!! Such a cutie!!!!

5/ I taught two dance workshops back home. After being in LA for a few months, it was nice to finally be able to share my experiences with teens that are in my position when I was their age - watching YouTube videos and dreaming of that day to travel to LA and dance.

6/ One of my favorite things about being in LA - I got to tag along to photograph behind the scenes of this music video!.. Unfortunately I can't show more photos from this video shoot but lets just say it was awesome :)

7/ Friends visited and had a blast with dolphins.. I just had to include this in my recap! We went to the beach, not realizing it was going to be super overcast. We brought dolphins that we had won from the arcade the night before and jumped around in the sand.

8/ Enjoy the sunrises and sunsets... Coming from a polluted city like HK, you hardly see so many jaw-dropping sunsets. and every night, I get to look out my apartment window, breathe in the fresh air, and stare at that beauty. 

9/ I finally put up a dance video! But I haven't since... That'll be my next project. 

10/ Started my job at Sony Pictures selling movies globally.

11/ Traveling - even if it's just a quick drive to San Fran or San Diego. It's always nice to get away for a bit. :)

12/ Celebrated July 4th and my 1 year anniversary with LA on a Cruise in Boston with my parents and friends, and ended the night watching the fireworks.

Sometimes I look back and I think, wow I didn't do anything! But putting this post together really helped me put my year into perspective.

What have you been up to this year?

- Court