City Bridges

Can you name each of the following cities below? (Represented by their famous bridges, each city is a favorite of mine).

Hot Mama - Maternity Store

I'm on the search for fun and modern baby products...Am very excited about the new baby in our family!

Today I walked into Oahu's "Hot Mama" maternity store today and found some cute gifts for the baby shower. They have some cool items made by local Hawaii product lines not available on the mainland.

Hot Mama sold crib and stroller accessories from Dwell (www.dwellstudio.com), undergarments by Bella Materna (www.bellamaterna.com) and outfits from Ripe (www.ripe.com). Most of the maternity clothes ran $70-100+ and there are fun accessories, baby clothes, and other gifts perfect for any mother and mother to be.

Hot Mama

3435 Waialae Avenue # 106A,
Honolulu, HI 96816
808.737.2737

town - Restaurant Review

town, with a lower case “t,” was one of the first restaurants I loved when I first moved to to the island. After having the luxury of choosing between numerous organic eateries in California, I found it hard to find a place on Oahu that served local, fresh, and organic dishes prepared with simplicity. Moreover, town lives out what it states it values--the coaster for my glass of water is a cut of from one of their old menus.

In a minimalist urban space, town features silver tables, subtle gray walls, espresso stained wooden chairs, modern wood lamp fixtures, orange chair cushions and dark browh draperies.

The menu is always a little tough to navigate: the font is in an old typewriter style, and the listing on the menu is well…“organic” to put it nicely… or “un-orderly” if you’re in a rush. It’s hard to distinguish what is designated as appetizer, entrée and dessert--but that’s the philosophical point, right?

On the menu: Panino of local mushrooms, tatsoi, caramelized onion, radish, boursin ($8.50). I usually get this, not sure why. It’s a sandwich put in a panini press served with organic greens. Not a stand-out, but healthy and decent.

Today I ordered the Penne—grilled chicken, arugula pesto, tomato, ricotta salata ($12.50). The pasta is cooked al dente, just right, the pesto not too strong, with diced tomato and cheese giving it a subtle spark. The chicken is lightly floured and spiced with coriander. Again, not too over powering and complimentary to the pasta. This is one of the more interesting dishes I’ve had here.

The “hand-cut pasta” with prosciutto ragu sounds interesting ($14.50). The last entrée on the menu (yes, they keep it simple) is the Kulana Short Ribs with argugula, fontina cheese on a baguette ($10.50)

I appreciate that town supports local artists who share values. Three weeks ago the art work on the walls changed. Dave Homey’s black and white underwater photography is framed in his sister’s “Found Wood” custom frames. Recycled Glass Art is represented by Crystal Thornburg.

I love town’s motto: “Local first, organic whenever possible, with Aloha always.”

(also, there are three power outlets and free WiFi. I’m happy to be able to blog as I enjoy my lunch.)

town
3435 Waialae Avenue #103
Honolulu, HI 96816
808.735.5900

Favorite Christmas E-Card = Entheos

Winner (in my book) for the 2008 Most Creative E-Card is from...
(drum roll, please)...Entheos Interactive, LLC!

Click on this link to enjoy the fun:

http://www.entheos-i.com/christmas08

Back in the Aloha State

One black eye, 3 photography classes, multiple get-togethers, 3 TJ runs, and 5 photo shoots later...i arrived back safely to Hawaii greeted by the 86 degree weather. Nice. I left L.A. freezing with a pea coat in hand, and landed in HNL ready to change into shorts--yup, it was humid when I arrived.

I was also welcomed by the news headlines of the local papers--the flooding on Oahu and the Big Island, and oh-so-many articles on Potholes. Yes, with all the rain, pot holes are popping up on Hawaii roads everywhere. Never mind that our the new President-elect and the Chicago governor scandal makes national headlines everywhere, Potholes is the big story on the islands. I have to laugh.

Someone's luggage got stuck on the conveyor belt of the airport baggage claim, and it needed to be cut and dissembled so the rest of us could, after a half hour wait, have the chance to retrieve our own luggages. Afterall, I had two suitcases packed full with Trader Joes goodies. I can't believe that I brought 30 pounds of TJs stuff back to the islands. I should pawn this stuff off like gold.

I can't wait to see the holiday lights at City Hall tonight. It's nice to be on the islands for the holidays.

Wine in Paris

Enough said. I'm starting to enjoy wine...and I already love Paris. What could be better? Why traveling to Paris to experience their wine country.

Here's a link from Daily Candy with some travel tips to wine valleys of Burgundy, France:

http://www.dailycandy.com/travel/article/39436/Vine+and+Dine

Starting a Small Business - Entrepreneurship as Fun

It's said that good photography alone will never sustain a successful business. Artistry is valued at nothing if one cannot run the business end of a small company. The fun part of being an entrepreneur, in my opinion, is the challenge of balancing both the the art and the business aspects of the profession.

Before filing the paperwork for my business license in September, I spent the months prior reading books on running small businesses. I spent equal amounts of time reading law books to understand the legal side of owning a company. The Hawaii State Library had sufficient information on both of these topics of which I was glad to find.

I also made appointments to meet with three photography entrepreneurs to learn about their experiences, gain words of advice, and understand the photography industry as a whole. I'm grateful to Nely, Mike and Garrett for the presence of their company and the time and wisdom they shared with me.

The fun part of it all was choosing a business name, thinking about logos and branding, learning how to build websites, and designing business cards. Once the formal paper work with the State was done, I couldn't wait to get this part of the business rolling. (...well, building websites was semi stressful--a whole new world and high learning curve for me). After spending a couple months building up my portfolio, I'll be using this month to meet with a tax attorney and launch my official website. The early part of 2009 will be dedicated to completing my Ph.D. (hooray) and thereafter I plan to market my company in Hawaii and Southern California.

Acknowledgments
I can't recall the exact day or moment when I decided to take a risk on this venture. All I know is that one day I simply had the confidence, courage and faith to take a risk on living out this dream and putting action toward setting things in motion. I couldn't have done this alone however. There were key people who helped to support and fuel this dream along the way:

I'd like to acknowledge Shelia and Jon for their early subtle nudges (you didn't know you planted the seeds, did you?!), Andrew (especially) who was there from the start and who fueled enthusiasm along the way. Andy was particularly helpful in helping me to get my first paid gig only two weeks after my company was in business and generous in offering subsequent Event Photography opportunities thereafter. Garrett has been an amazing mentor in the wedding industry. Working with "the legend" himself is a gift. (Can't believe we did three weddings in seven days.) Christian never laughed at my vision and provided incredible support as my personal web teacher (mahalo for the late nights). Dave gave early words of encouragement (whether he knows it or not), and Chris continues to offer generous interest and support of my work and has been instrumental in connecting me with leads in Commercial Photography. Julianna was my first model years back; I'm grateful for friends who patiently allow me to develop my Portrait photography skills along the way. (Thanks for being generous subjects.) Last, my parents and family have been cheerleaders and staunch supporters each step of the way and deserve steep recognition.

I'm also grateful for the photography community in Hawaii (special shout out to Terry, Alicia, Willy, Cindy, Abby and Austin) and Irvine (a special hello to a new friend and fellow entrepreneur, Stacy).

Mahalo!

Size 0 Clothes

I'm cleaning out my closet getting ready to move things back to L.A. It's full of size zero skirts, pants and extra small tops. Boy oh boy, I didn't even realize how much weight I've gained over the past year(s). It's time to face it...as much as I love these items, there's no going back. Not even exercise will get me back to a non-size. (Theoretically, can zero even be considered a size?) Time to rid the items that don't fit.

Every year as it gets cold, our family tries to donate our old ski jackets, sweaters, blankets and warm wear to the homeless. There are special pick ups made where one can donate suits to women's homes, winter wear to homeless shelters, and prom dresses to teen oriented organizations.

If I can't find a suitable organization before I fly back to Hawaii...in a couple of days...the rest of my closet will go to Goodwill, Salvation Army or the Veterans--whoever is the most eager to do a pick up.

Studio Photo Shoot - The I'm Family

Last night’s Studio Shoot was a blast. Baby Chelsea was such a wonderful model. Though she couldn’t even lift up her head, she just sat there contently and despite the large flashes from the studio lights, she didn’t even cry nor fuss one bit. I can’t wait to post up some photos of her.

It was so much fun to do my first set of “professional” family photos in a studio. Sandy and Larry were amazing to work with…Sandy’s a natural and Larry was especially good at knowing how to pose himself. I was impressed!

Angela was such a good sport as a studio assistant—working the reflectors, metering the lights, moving the ottoman and stools as needed, fixing Chelsea’s clothes, and making wooing noises overhead for a baby smile. Moreover, she was a fantastic model flashing that photogenic smile of hers…and letting loose in fun poses.

Fun times: * After arriving to the Studio, I realized that I left my camera at the house—opps! * Chelsea pee’d on the black crushed velvet backdrop. * Buddy shots with Angela and Sandy—“I can’t get up!” * Oh no, the gray backdrop won’t come down * How do you use the studio’s light meter? * Angela the fashion model in two wardrobe changes—straddle that chair, babe! * Sandy in the stretched arms pose—work it! *

Christmas Wish List - Canon L Lenses

One wide angle lens: Either the 17-40 or 16-35. I’ll be trying out the 17-40 at tomorrow’s photo shoot at the park.

One medium range lens: Either the 24-70 or 24-105. The 24-70 is a sweet lenses. It’s fast (2.8) so can perform in low light settings such at wedding receptions. The 24-105 is an F4 but it has IS (which the 24-70 doesn’t). This will help with my carpol tunnel syndrome, but can it perform well in low light?

One telephoto lens: The 70-200 2.8…hands down. I have the 70-200 4.0 with no IS (didn’t sell IS at the time I got my lenses). Amazing glass, but without IS or 2.8, the lenses is hard for me to use. I’ll be taking the 100-400 to the park tomorrow to shoot three kids, but the 100-400 isn’t practical for wedding photography. The 70-200 will suffice. This is a no brainer purchase for me.

And of course, my dream camera body is the 5D Mark II. There’s no rebates, and orders are being placed at pro stores.


Thanks to Krad and Cheryl for lending me their collection of L lens while I’ve been in L.A. Their monopod, crumpler bag, gary fong lamps, and a laptop too (so I could take a class on Photoshop & Lightroom.) You guys are the best. Thanks for entrusting me with thousands of dollars worth of equipment.

2008 Canon Instant Rebates

Ooo…this Christmas all the top Canon L lenses are on sale! And at Samy’s Camera there is no tax, which is around 8.25% in California. (This can saves you sixty to a hundred dollars or more)!

100-400—f/4.5-5.6L IS USM ($105 off) + no sales tax
17-40 f/4L USM ($50 off) + no sales tax
16-35 f/2.8L II USM ($125 off) + no sales tax
24-70 f/2.8L USM ($80 off) + no sales tax
70-200 f/2.8L IS USM ($125 off) + no sales tax

The Canon 50D looks great, and there’s a $150 instant rebate by Canon ($1849.95 original price) plus no tax at Sammy’s.

WiFi - Mahalo to Jon

Working from home without WiFi is hard. But living in Hawaii with good friends who go out of their way to help makes living in Hawaii a blessing. Many thanks to Jon for contacting his friend at Hawaiian Telecom and for sharing his Hot Spot account with me. Their ahola spirit has enabled me to use WiFi anywhere Skywave hotspots are located in Hawaii.

Mahalo, Jon!

Eco-Friendly Furniture Shopping

I never thought of buying pre-owned furniture and antiques as an eco-friendly way to shop until I bought into the idea after viewing the "1stdibs" website. This online company sells trendy home decor items for less the full price...and with the idea of "recycling" furniture as a smart way to home decorate!

Here' s the site: www.1stdibs.com

Wine - Stellina di Notte & Luccio Moscato di Asti

Before returning to LA, I revisited Formaggio for wine, food and live music. A soulful local Hawaiian guitarist-soloist and a violinist from San Francisco's Japan town filled the air with strings of mellow autumn notes. In the parking lot before driving home I learned that the two musicians were long time high school friends in Honolulu.

In the glass:

Stellina di Notte (pinot grigio). From Veneto, Italy (2006). Said to have touches of apple, melon and kiwi. Light, dry and crisp but ends with an oak-ish finish. It's okay, but I like my whites short. I'd give it a B rating. Would I drink it again? Sure. Would I go out of my way to order this glass? No.

Luccio Moscato 'd Asti (muscat). From Piedmot, Italy (2006).
Said to have apple undertones. As a fan of moscato 'd asti's, I was expecting a bit more from this wine. It has a sweet start but bitter end. Disappointing for a muscat. I'd rate it a C+. Would I recommend it? Nah.

Their pizzas (specailty mushroom) (traditional vegetarian) are served on thin crisp crusts and go well with red or white wine, depending on the sauce and toppings. The Panni's with three Italian meats is okay, but I wouldn't order it again. The prochuitto was too over powering for the pastrami and salami. They have promising appetizers and desserts that I can't wait to try the next time.

Fashion Photography & Studio Lighting

Last Tuesday and Saturday I took two helpful photography classes in Irvine.

Saturday's class focused on Fashion photography and involved learning to pose models, the use of negative space created by arms and legs, and how to use lighting to capture mood and drama. To accomplish the latter we used three, two and once lighting sources. It was a fun half day adventure.

On Tuesday I learned the basics of soft boxes, umbrellas, the grill, power sources, backgrounds, and remotes. We learned simple set ups to create Rembrandt shadows on the face, background lighting, and simple studio lighting set ups.

I'm looking forward to my two portrait photography shoots tomorrow night and Thursday where I'll put into these lessons into practice!

USC vs. UCLA

Yay! I'm sitting here in my favorite city of Irvine watching the game on a 52" HDTV. Not having a TV in Hawaii has been hard particularly with the advent of one of the most captivating political elections in American history...and of course, the Fall season of college football.

Giving up a time-out in order for each hometown jerseys to be worn was a great call by Pete Carroll. The cardinal and gold & blue and gold jerseys look great on screen. I was tempted to buy a last minute ticket to the game but alas I had a photography class in the morning.

I miss sitting center field at the games, feeling the excitement of the crowd, and watching the game live. What a treat. It's the over all experience one gets that gets missed by simply watching the game on television.

Back to the game...Go Trojans!

shout out to wc for hosting the game