Megan gets her braces off

So... my beautiful little sister got her braces off! Wahoo! After three years of braces, brackets breaking, rubber bands, no popcorn (well, kind of), and food uncomfortably getting stuck in her teeth, she is free! Getting your braces off are like some sort of rite of passage for growing out of your teenage stage into early adulthood. And if you've never had braces, well, lucky you! (I suffered the same fate in high school.)

I, of course, took advantage of this photo opportunity and made her model for me while I tried my new photo editing tools + practice some portrait shots. She's a trooper ;) We even took a trip to the beach for the sand shots! Okay, we used a volleyball court, but same thing right?

First off comes the braces, then comes college & then comes everyone thinking she's the older one.

They just grow up too fast!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE DORKY SISTERS

If you didn't see on instagram, here is the wonderful Christmas card my little younger sister and I mailed out this year. I say younger because she is not little anyyyyyyyy more! If you can't read the card due to the instagram quality of this photo, it says "Merry Christmas from our dorky hearts to yours." We ordered them through CardStore using this template. I seriously love this card company! This card was not glossy and really good quality. They have a HUGE selection of cards and I can't get enough of them. We got lots of compliments ;)

The photos on the card are from this blog post last Thanksgiving. They were too great not to share to all our family and friends...again. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas break! Before we know it, it will be New Year's Eve and we will welcome 2013. I haven't thought past 2012, so 2013 should be interesting, but I wouldn't ask for anything less :)

*This post was not sponsored and/or affiliated with CardStore. I just love the cards I got and wanted to share :)

GIVING THANKS

THURS Nov. 22, 2012 - Thanksgiving Day

Smells of baked goods and turkey from the kitchen, laughter from the living room and homes filled with love... welcome again Thanksgiving! It is refreshing that we take a day from our busy lives to sit back and reflect on the wonderful things to be thankful for. Even though Thanksgiving can mean running around the grocery store like a man man, staying up late planning for meals and Black Friday sales or the thought of hosting all your family members making sure they're comfortable and well fed... keep in mind the true essence of this holiday - being thankful for life, love and everything in between.

This time of year, I don't mind all the "annoying" posts about Thanksgiving and what we are each thankful for. Honestly, I think every news feed should be filled with that kind of energy instead of the negativity I see. So I welcome all the Thanksgiving posts and "annoying" hashtags because it is great seeing people saying thank you once in awhile.

THANK YOU FOR:
- The solid relationships I have built over the years and the family that support + stand behind me throughout my life. I have these people to thank for helping me through the bad times and celebrating through the good. There will be many people who come into your life and some that stray, but every person in your life came in for a reason, and you should thank them for that. (I could write a whole novel on these people <3)

- The moments I wake up in the morning knowing I have another day.

- The jobs and opportunities I have come across throughout life, especially post grad. My future shines a little brighter because of you!

- Experiencing love and all it has to offer.

- The little things in life that sometimes are not so little: mixed cds, handwritten letters + cards, opened doors, lunch dates, lazy days, nutella, pumpkin cookies, pattern, yoga pants, yoga, knitted scarves, vinyl, holding hands, Skype, sale racks, Mulan, etc.

- Moments when time passes by quickly and moments when time passes slowly.

- People who walk in as strangers and stay as friends.

- Travels that end safely.

- Gatherings around the fire place.

- The mere joys of road trips.

- Not only being alive, but truly living.

Just remember to have some reflection today and say thank you today, tomorrow and the days that follow.

Picture via instagram, @mashleyvega and card template created by Oana Befort, www.oanabefort.com.

DISPOSABLE CAMERA FUN

 

There is something about disposable cameras that I can't just get enough of. Maybe it's the mystery, maybe it's the uncertainty. Maybe it's the sound of winding the film or maybe because it reminds me of when I was growing up. How about all of the above?

A few months ago I bought a pack of two disposable cameras for $10! (Walgreen's was having a deal. Woo-hoo!) I developed one camera already after I went to Athens, Georgia with it. Remember this post? Well I finally went to developed the second camera! Twenty-seven exposures of family fun including a trampoline, dogs named Peanut, spring, Raleigh, backyards and smiles.

Don't you just love film?

NCMA: North Carolina Museum of Art

Sometimes, all you need is a little trip to the museum.
It's the little things. I'm linking up with Lindsey, From the Aisle to Aloha.
Museum trip on 01 | 13 | 2012

Ah, a trip to the museum. An art museum.
Sometimes that's all you need. Did you know I've never been to any of the museums in Raleigh and I've been living there for years. By years, I mean practically my whole life (with the exception of going to five different elementary schools including Richmond, Guam, Cary and Raleigh) ANYway, the museum was lovely. I felt so grown-up, I actually read the descriptions (I mean, did you really do this on school field trips, be honest) and I absorbed it all. Also, the NCMA has this kickBUTT restaurant inside their second building that looks so cool! It's on my list of places to eat in Raleigh :] Any one want to come with?

So in conclusion, when you need a little lift, time for thought and some good ol' inspiration, go to the closest art museum possible and make some art of your own ;)

Have a safe and inspiring weekend!

Be sure to check out the previous post about my lovely friend Chelsea's creative and innovative shop! Her shop is almost as lovely and cute as she is :)

Rainy days + used book stores

 

This past Wednesday I felt it was about time I took a trip to our local Ed Mckay's and spent some store credit I had built up from selling them some old books. I had a lovely $24 to spend and at first I had about *seven books in my hand and realized what I really wanted to buy was just one, To Kill a Mockingbird. Hands down, one of my favorite books and now I finally own it. Then I wanted to build up my record collection so I bought four. Yup, all for $24.

I'd say that day was successfully wonderful. Wouldn't you?

Ps - Isn't my mom cute? :) Her and my little sister were so patient while I walked up and down the endless aisles of books + records for (what felt like) hours.

*The reason I didn't go through with buying seven books is because as much as I love owning books, I only want to own books I actually love. I'm trying to step away from my hoarding tendencies and become a little more minimalistic. So instead, I wrote down all the book titles, hopefully find them in my local library and potentially buy them if I feel they belong to my bookshelf.

A glimpse into my holiday season, 2011

First off, can I just say how lame I have been with my blogging!
I had envisioned my break just a little differently, however, I would not change a thing.
Here's a little glimpse into my Christmas.

CHRISTMAS 2011 >

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were beautiful ones filled with so much love, new scarves (thanks Mom!), Just Dance 3, lobsters, doggies, warmth, some of my favorite cousins (a new one!) and just overall fun. As you can see from the pictures, my family knows how to celebrate - with JUST DANCE 3 of course! At one point, we have about 15 or us dancing together. What a perfect little way to celebrate life and family. Of course I wish my whole family could've been with us, but regardless, it was a beautiful time.

So I kept talking about Just Dance 3, well, we even captured it on video. Enjoy!

I also added my bucket list FINALLY to my blog! Read along :)

Welcome to the world, Chloe.

On December 26, 2011, my beautiful baby cousin came into our world. Healthy as can be, she's already the most precious little peanut I have ever seen. Aren't Asian babies the cutest? Okay, all babies are the cutest but I can already tell she's going to bring so much joy into the world. She already has! Thank you God for blessing us with this beautiful little peanut and congratulations to my Auntie Lelah and Uncle Huy! You are going to be wonderful parents! Chloe is the first newborn I've held in my arms, just eight hours old (in the picture with me and her).

I can't wait to babysit you, buy you precious bows and tickle your cute little feet!

Love you already Chloe.

A little black & white film

Two years ago, I was able to take a Black and White Film class offered at Appalachian. It truly was one of the most creatively inspiring and challenging courses I ever took. I say challenging because the dark room aren't no walk in the park! I was feeling nostalgic about using my manual camera and dug some of these photos up from my old class binder.

I'm on a mission to find the photos that I used for critiques. These photos were either not turned in, or developed just for the sake of developing :]

I hope you enjoy a little of my adventures with my '76 SLR Nikon and the photos I had the lovely opportunity of developing in a dark room. I miss you dark room.

Photo details

[1] My camera and I on a little adventure down 105 [2] Appalachian Library [3] My beautiful friend Olivia who I used to swap clothes with [4] My inspiring father and loving younger sister [5] My old roommate and wonderful model back in the day when I took more photos [6] Isn't she beautiful? [7] Right outside that little park [8] Hannah being the cute model that she is [9] My ever inspiring friend, Rene [10] My first love, Zoey.

I'm escaping down to Georgia this weekend to take a break from finals. Good luck everyone!

Outfit Post // Sisters Edition

Finally! Another outfit post. I'm beginning to enjoy these...especially when I get to take pictures with my younger sister. I decided to do a little photo shoot on Thanksgiving Day. It was less awkward because I wasn't take pictures of just myself this time, but what was awkward was that we took photos in the "Bark Park" of my mom's apartment complex...hmm. Need I say more?

Well blogging world, I introduce to you my little sister Megan. Gorgeous, driven and I hear her older sister rocks ;) Enjoy our little photo-op. A few hours later we stuffed out faces and bellies full of lovely Thanksgiving food. We then proceeded to hang out with our adorably cute cousins and play the best game of Pictionary with everyone I had ever experienced. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Warning: This post is photo heavy. We just had too much fun!

My outfit: Dress//boutique, Shoes// found here - Old Navy, Tights + cardigan//Target, Bracelet//Gift, Purse// Michael Kors, Glasses//found here - BonLook,

Hair inspired by: Sara Lynn Paige
Megan's: Dress//Mom's, Shoes//Charlotte Russe, Blazer//Silvina's, Earrings//found here - Forever 21, Belt//JCPenny, Tights//Mine

PS: Isn't her nail polish adorable?!

Now, are you ready for the self-timer-awkward-but-arguably-cute-photos?

I love this little girl to death. Can't believe she's already 16! Yow-za!

Well, I trek back up the mountain to Boone tomorrow for a few more weeks of fundraising event planning, assignments, papers, exams, group projects, photo editing, work and uh, you know, college stuff. Finals are coming up, so all my college friends, best of luck to you :)

My break home was nothing short of necessary, relaxing and beneficial.
Hope everyone had a wonderfully safe holiday!

laugh list v.1

In the midst of deadlines, over committing my time, stressful environments and no sleep [welcome to college!], it's important to take a breathe and focus on the fun things in life. With this being said, I decided to start compiling a little "laugh list" where I share with you all things that helped me survive my weeks and find joy in the little things in [college] life. It's important to laugh :] Hopefully these things will make you laugh as much as it made me.

+ Barbie & Ken's wedding
Hi-larious! It's hilarious because it's so well done! I know you've probably seen these puppies floating around the internet, but just in case you didn't, I am here to share them with you! Photographer Beatrice de Guigne featured this photo shoot on Rock n Roll Bride.

Guigne quoted, "Barbie was tired of waiting so she asked Ken to get married."


You go girl! *


+ Elf on a Shelf
I was on the blog Run with Scissors and came across these silly little photos of this elf! Who's this elf you ask? He is Santa's helper who keeps an eye on you to determine if you're on the nice or naughty list. They like to play hide and seek, especially with kids! You can read more here for the detailed story. Realistically, parents purchase this elf on the shelf to have fun during the holidays. Some people have come up with hilarious little photo shoots. Hope they make you laugh like I do :)

*

*

You can find some more floating around the internet :]

+ This Haiku, written by Chic on the Cheap
 

Hahahaha it's genius!

+ My friend Cameron's status on Facebook

+ My Dad's comment about "Hoe Cakes"

While we were having a family brunch at a restaurant called Courtney's, on their specials board they had an option called "Hoe Cakes" which apparently are cornmeal pancakes. (Honestly still don't really know what that means).

Anyway, my dad exclaims,

"Does it come with a side of hoochie mamas?"

Yup, my dad said that.
Now you tell me where I get my sense of humor from ....

Gotta love him :]
I sure do 

Ps. I made my little sister a picture of this with my phone haha. Thanks Megan!

What made you laugh this week?

snapshots II

 

When all else fails, camera phone to the rescue!

Here's a little glimpse into my last week or two through my phone camera.

[one]

I think my cousin's glasses are awesome! So jealous of them. I wanted a picture with them because I felt like a hipster along with my precious dog Zoey. She lives in Raleigh with my cousin and Dad's girlfriend since I can't have her in college :(

[two]

Peanut Butter frozen yogurt with Heath Bar = YUM!
My friend Lena and I explored downtown Raleigh last weekend. Raleigh is where I grew up, but you definitely see it differently after you move away for college. I've definitely seen a new side of Raleigh I haven't before and downtown is continually prospering. We went to FRESH @5Points and ordered yummy frozen yogurt!

[three]

Some friends and I had some beer and appetizers at Mellow Mushroom and joined their beer club! My friend Kaleigh's beer made a tree :] How cool is that?

[four]

This is the successful butternut squash lasagna my friend Melissa and I cooked for our friends last Thursday. Here's the post with the other photos :]

[five]

Meet Zoey. My first love.

She is half beagle and half jack russell. She is sassy, lovable, gives the best hugs and has an attitude problem, but we love her :] Wish I could've taken her to college with me :(

[six]

Meet Pac Man! Boxer. Named after the Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao, whose nickname in the ring is Pac Man. He is the newest edition to the Vega family and an absolute sweetheart. I'll probably share more pictures of these lovable creatures soon.

Other than that, I've been in recovery after my wisdom teeth surgery and let's just say, it's going....alright. It definitely hasn't been the best experience but hopefully I'll feel like myself again! Drugs are no fun. I have made A LOT of progress watching Friday Night Lights! Finally on Season 2. I may be too embarrassed to say how many episodes I've seen so far....okay...I'll let you know. I started on episode 13 and now I'm on episode 57 (ah!) I know. Productive right? :)

Here's to feeling like myself again soon!

Flashback Friday 005

I am officially back from the Philippines!
I got about three days ago and have been thrown back into the realities of my life, including all the responsibilities I got to leave behind for a couple of weeks. Posts about my trip to the Philippines will come shortly!

For Flashback Friday, I wanted to share some photos back in the day of my mother.
It's cliche, but I truly cannot imagine the type of person I would be without her. Her birthday is tomorrow and I wanted to show the world (well at least the readers of this post) how amazing of a mother I have and how I hope to one day be as loving as caring of a mother as she is. Also, I would like her shoe and ring collection :]

My mother knows me inside and out even when I don't let her in, she knows my every thought. She continually looks out for me and lets me know how proud she is and how much she loves me. I always know she is looking out for me. She cooks me food to bring back to my house in Boone, gives me shoes she doesn't want anymore (that I do!), hangs my paintings in her apartment, and showers me with love. I haven't met a woman more hard working, appreciative or with a great personality.

Thank you Mom for being there.
For always being there.

(you can click the photos to enlarge)

My mother and I a handful of Christmases ago :]

Family portrait circa 1992

My mom and my cousin Kayla.

My mother while she was pregnant with my young sister in Guam

me, my mom and dad back in the day while I'm cheesin' away

my mom <3

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY!


Love you.

Flashback Friday 004

Since I'll be going to the Philippines next with my Dad to visit my older sister,
I deemed it appropriate to share a picture of us probably 18+ years ago :]
I don't remember this day,
but I can tell that I loved it.
Can't you?

My older sister looks like a stylin' diva,
I'm loving my Dad's high tops
and I'm cheesin hardcore, as per usual.

I love you both so dearly.

I hope everyone has a WONDERFUL Friday.

Just a little reminder, the band Elijah Leaves is playing at Primo's tomorrow.
So if you're in Boone, come check them out!

First attempt with a Holga

A few blog posts ago ...in March, I mentioned in a blog post that I bought a Holga from UO.
Well, I finally had the chance to use it this week!
It had been years since I used any kind of film camera, yet along a Holga.
Definitely different from the DSLR I have become accustomed to and different from the Nikon '79
film camera I used for my Black and White Photography class.

With the Holga,
I took some photos of the band Elijah Leaves, which I am actually officially managing now!
Here's some shots from our photo shoot at Blue Ridge Parkway.
Other photos from the photo shoot can be found on their Facebook and website. Check it out!
PS. You all should like their page ;)

 

In other news, I have been enjoying some time at home this weekend.
I've spent some good quality family time filled with golf, good meals and even better company.
I also had the opportunity to catch up with my good friend Mike!
We filled our tummies with Mellow Mushroom and mint chocolate chip ice cream
and our time with good conversation. I hadn't seen him in years, but didn't feel like it.
What a great way to spend a Saturday :)


Back to Boone tomorrow.
Last week of my internship and I need to work hard to get these last projects done!
Hope everyone is having a fun-filled weekend.

Flashback Friday 003

Photobooths!
Who doesn't love them?
I'm not exactly sure when these two were taken, but I do know I love the people in them.

Dear Photobooths,

You make pictures so much more fun and impulsive. Please never die out.

Love your fan,
Melissa

Flashback Friday 001

 

It was a simple day,
with the sweetest love any daughter... any person could feel.


So simple.
I wish more things could be like this picture of me and my father.

Vega-Dale Wedding

On June 18, 2011, my Aunt Tess married Michael Dale and we welcomed him to our family with open arms. The wedding was absolutely beautiful, from the perfect weather to the love felt all around. The ceremony and reception were held at the Litchfield Country Club, located at Pawley's Island, S.C., near Myrtle Beach. It was great being reunited with most of my family members and witnessing the celebration of commitment shown between two people. After the ceremony, we danced the night away (literally). My family definitely knows how to break it down :]


This wedding was even more special because my Aunt gave me a chance to be even more a part of it by making me "Assistant Wedding Coordinator." Sure, it came with stress, but it definitely gave me an inside look on the planning and implementing of weddings and event planning. I was running around with my head cut off until about 20 minutes before the ceremony without realizing I actually needed my hair done and make-up, but all went well in the end and I even got to practice some photography skills :)


Here are just a few snapshots of the wedding.
I have about 300 more photos, but even those pictures just don't give the wedding justice!


I will explain more about my "southern" adventures in more detail later on.
It's been crazy, busy, fun and expensive (yikes!) but priceless.

SUPER UPDATE

Because my old habits of procrastinating have been revamped through this blog, I owe it to myself & to my ..."readers" (I say this, because really...who needs this blog?), or I should say, my imaginary audience, for an extreme update of my, trying-to-be-interesting-life.

Anyway -
Last Thursday I was reunited with my TRUE home - Raleigh! Boone is truly where my life is currently - my responsibilities, job, studies and my room, but Raleigh is always so refreshing when I visit. I was able to spend some quality time with my globe trotting best friends. My friend Renee, a fellow blogger, and I visited and spent a few hours (& I am not exaggerating) at one of our favorite restaurants in Raleigh - Lemongrass. Apparently, they have been there for eight years, but we've only discovered them a couple years ago thanks to a coupon. Who doesn't love a locally owned Asian cuisine restaurant? Great conversation. Great food. Great company.

I also treated my mom & younger sister out for a belated Mother's Day dinner at her favorite restaurant - PF Changs. Basically, I worked on Mother's Day in order to pay for our meal haha. If you haven't heard of PF Changs, it is a Chinese bistro chain restaurant that has one of the best lettuce wraps I have ever had, among other things. Here's some snapshots!

Other than that, I got to spend some quality best friend moments with everyone back home, which was very much needed. Many of the people that I love the most in my life I was finally reunited with & it felt great. I miss everyone already. Everything just makes senses when I'm home. But alas, Boone is another home away from Boone that I feel bittersweet to back reunited with.


Some Boone moments from last week include:

- Celebrating one my roommate's 21st birthday! This included dining at Cha Da Thai - local Boone Thai cuisine (Yes, a lot of Asian food last week...haha), a night full of laughter and my other roommate & I even made her breakfast in bed! Yummy blueberry pancakes with fresh strawberries + blueberries.

My beautiful roommates & I with our GREEN backyard!

Along with celebrating her birthday, we had to visit beansTalk because we found out they are closing down their Boone location and moving to Concord, NC. SAD, SAD DAY. BeansTalk to my friends and I is such a landmark for Boone, it's weird to think about Boone without it. It encompasses our past few years in college and it'll be hard to see it go :( It's rumored to having disputes with their landlord and unable to stay at their current location. So, here's a little tribute to beansTalk! Their officially closing day is this Saturday, May 21. So, if you're in Boone, support them and enjoy their last day here.

AND WHAT'S THIS? ZOMBIES IN BOONE?!?!

 

It's true! There are officially zombies in Boone. Keep your brains and organs safe!

Now that I'm back in Boone, I must prepare myself for all these summer plans! 

- My internship officially starts this upcoming Monday. Where did May go?

- I need to start more things for the MusicFest 'N Sugar Grove

- Start my account on MINT to organize my finances (Thanks Renee!)

- Find a hair piece for my Aunt's wedding in June! (Which I am also the asst. wedding coordinator for)

- Some minor grocery shopping

- FIND MY APRON, I work in .... 2 hours.

& continue cleaning out my room.

Oh, and write a lovely hand-written letter to my one of my good friends :)

We've kept up this tradition for a few years now! Yay!

Because I didn't do music video Monday, here's some links to FREE music that I've been enjoying the past week. Thank you Amazon!

1,000 Ships - Rachel Platten

Love You Strongly - Amy Stroup

Enjoy!

Told you it was a super update.