Desserts First

There are two things my close friends can tell you about me.

First is I should be the last person you should ask for directions. I'm working on that.

Thank you Navigon on my iPhone.

Second, I will skip the actual meal if chocolate desserts are involved.

Amado and I started our Sunday like how any dessertaholics would.

He's been dying to try out a dessert place in Downtown LA called The Pie Hole.

How can you not want to check out the place with a name like that?

Of course I got something with chocolate, Mexican Hot Chocolate pie.

Would love to figure out the recipe for this.

Amado ordered the Chocolate Bourbon Pecan pie.

He judges pies by how good it holds up if you eat it by hand.

Yeah, he ate it like a slice of pizza.

After devouring our desserts, we walked around the shops in Little Tokyo.

We had one more item left on our holiday gift list and it was the only place we can get it done.

Can't post it yet until after the holidays but I really hope they like it.

A few bags later, we checked out a Japanese restaurant that Amado had in mind, Fat Spoon.

Our friend Makoy recommended the place a couple of months back but we never got around

to trying it until now.

The Pork Cutlet Curry and Uni and Mushroom pasta were flavorful.

I really like the ambiance of the place. Very mellow and minimal.

Total opposite compared to its next door neighbor, Daikokuya.

This one is definitely worth checking out.

Hmm, can you say Facebook Timeline photo?!

Family Portraits

It would be an understatement to say that I'm close with this family.

Living with them was definitely one of the highlights of my life.

Thanks Uncle Craig and Auntie Shirley for everything. There are too many to list.

But most importantly, thank you for keeping me in track whenever I call you guys with 

my mini episodes of panic attacks.

I really do appreciate the things you've done for me and Amado.

This really sums up the kids. I still refer to them as kids since I still remember changing their

diapers just years ago (I won't mention who, Jack). Although Auntie Shirley, I can't take responsibility for any damages that occurred while I babysat them. Well maybe for that one time I sat back and

watched Madona put Jade in the dryer for a spin. 

I did make sure she didn't get hurt by giving her two pillows to help cushion her.

Or that burn spot on your old living room carpet in Carson. Thats another story.

There was never a dull moment when I lived with them. Yes, 6 kids can mean bickering, fights 

and yelling but the fun memories definitely out shines those moments.

I'm just glad that I'm able see them all grow up and be somewhat a part of their family.

Seeds Family Portraits 2011

Around the same time last year, I did the Seeds' family portraits.
Since Anissa is bigger now, Ron and Anna also had to come up with new ways
to keep her entertained while I photographed them.

Jumping still did the trick. I barely realized that we had a similar shot last year.

It's pretty cool comparing the two and seeing how much she's grown.

Her favorite song right now is "If you're happy and you know it".

Works like a charm!

Holiday Cards

Yey! We can finally start with the Holiday stuff.
Our cards finally came in and we're ready to start with the rest of the holiday preparation.
Don't worry, Juku and Kami are used to it by now.

Packaging

When it comes to photography, I push myself really hard to never settle for "good enough".

 I'm applying that same rule when working with clients. 

 From when the first contact/inquiry is made, up to the day they receive their images.

Shipping a disc of images in an envelope seems dull.

I want a simple and clean way to package my images.

Amado helped me narrow down the look I want.

The packaging I prepared for Candy and Evan's engagement is pretty much

the look I'm going for but with a few changes.

For the Cates' session, I prepared something a little festive.

Aaaahhhh its December! (I'm so not ready for the holidays..)

Cates Family Portraits

Thanksgiving weekend felt a bit short this time. Amado and I had something planned

every single day of that four-day weekend. From one family gathering to another.

A night in Hollywood for Amado's school reunion and early Christmas party with friends.

With all of that happening, I was really excited to squeeze in a portrait session with the Cates Family.

I've been planning the session with Analyn for the last couple of weeks. Charles, Analyn and their daughter Logan, oh and I can't forget their dog Jerako recently moved back to Los Angeles.

Ok, a movie title sums up the location. 500 Days of Summer.
Early Sunday morning, we met at Angels Knoll and Disney Concert Hall in Downtown LA for their family portraits.

I had a really great time with the Cates, especially their daughter Logan. The second I picked up my camera, she put on a big smile. A four year old with a natural smile for pictures is always a plus.

I had to make sure we get some of just mom and dad.

My favorite out of the whole set. Don't ask why. Just nod in agreement.

Logan showing off the tiny flower she found.

Zivalic Holiday Portraits

Christmas definitely started earlier this year for Holly and Ryan since Sully was born.

How early you ask? I got their Christmas card today.

Who can blame her for wanting to share Sully in her snowman jammies to everyone ASAP?!

From engagement to Sully's couple of weeks at home, I've been snapping away with my camera.

So it seems natural that I take their first holiday portraits as a family.

I've also been told by Holly that we can't move away from them ever.

Can't argue with that.

Family Portraits

This should be an interesting set to go through.

The Cottage

I didn't really get to document much of Amado's birthday this year.

We ended up going to San Diego to work a show and also shot engagement photos.

He did however get to experience his very first spa day which he was very nervous about.

Before heading back to LA, we had brunch at The Cottage.

Last time we went there was for our friends birthday.

About a dozen of us jumped in a van, yes a van, and headed to San Diego for the weekend.

It was good to see that the restaurant hasn't changed.

Still good service and great food.

Definitely a good way to end our trip and wrap up Amado's birthday weekend.

Yes, I'm actually in a photo this time.

There are two things that are predictable about me when it comes to ordering food.

If we're having mexican food, I will always get taquitos. And if eggs benedict is on the menu,

thats what I'm getting. This one was crabcakes with creamy avocado.

Amado got the Cottage Bacon Egg sandwich with pumpkin pancakes on the side.

Ok I actually found a photo from that group trip we had.

Uh oh, old photo time. I'll leave a small copy so the rest of my friends don't kill me for posting it.