I can't blog every day in May...

Here are a few quick previews from a wedding I shot this weekend. Everything about the wedding was lovely and perfect. Photography has been keeping me very busy as of late, which I'm loving, but I'm still not quite doing enough of it that moving it to a full time job, without any other supplemental income, makes a whole lot of sense just yet. But I feel at home with a camera in my hand - I'm passionate about it. We'll see where it takes me.

Many of you wonderful bloggers are participating in Blog Everyday in May, which is a genius idea that I wish I'd thought of myself.  I knew the moment I read Jenni's challenge that I wasn't going to be able to participate. Photography work, school and planning a move to SLC (this coming Friday!) has completely taken over my life - I knew there would be days I wouldn't even have time to sleep let alone blog.

But with my last two finals TODAY and an anticipated lull in photography jobs as I leave my Los Angeles client base and jump on into the Salt Lake City photography market...I am ready to blog every (week) day in June.

Yes, I'm committing to it. 5 days a week of QUALITY posts in June.  Are you excited? I sure am! 

Award Show

| Dress: Handmade by Lil' Bit & Nan | Bracelets: Oia Jules | Necklace: J.Crew | Belt: J.Crew | Shoes: American Eagle Outfitters | 

This post is in stark contrast with monday's post. Mostly because I look like an actual human being in these ones. 

There was an awards show for the Film Television and Media programs at my school. Everyone got dolled up and we had a lot of fun. I was given an award for excellence within my course which was very exciting. 

I have been spending huge amounts of time with the people in this FVTM (Film Video Television Media) program. Now at the end of the semester it is beginning to feel more like a family than a course.  I feel so at home.  

I never would have guessed that the one class that was irrelevant to my degree that I signed up for on a whim would end up being one of the most wonderful and inspiring classes I've ever taken, filled with people I love to death. 

I never thought I'd be sad to leave Moorpark College. Never, ever in a million years. But as I hear about all of these friends who will progress further in the FVTM program in the upcoming semesters - courses I didn't even know about until the last few months - my heart breaks a little. 

I will miss the people and the experience terribly. 

How Finals Look On Me

It's hot enough to go to the beach (by only 9 AM) but I'm stuck inside, looking like this.

I can't even believe myself for posting this photo right now, but it does a very accurate job of depicting the UTTER CHAOS that has consumed my life. I somehow took this picture by accident, only discovering it after the image synced to my icloud. It was as if the universe wanted to rub how terrible I look in my face.

THIS IS WHAT THE LAST FEW WEEKS OF AN 18 CREDIT HOUR SEMESTER DOES TO ME.

I finished my television studio final last week, but I have FIVE finals to go within the next seven days, plus a whopping 40 page creative writing portfolio and a 10 piece photography portfolio.

Can you tell I haven't slept much? And my diet has reduced to top ramen, doctor pepper and trail mix?

In one glorious week this semester will be over, I will have my Associate degree and I will BE JUMPING UP AND DOWN HIGHER THAN A POLE-VAULTER IN A BOUNCE HOUSE.

Big, shouty capitals are required after thirteen hour school days.

How are your finals going? Are you in the same boat as I am?

Where I Wish I Could Stay in Amsterdam

When in Amsterdam, who wouldn't want to stay in a hotel near a canal ?

I only spent a couple of days in Amsterdam, but it easily rose to the top of my list of favorite cities. The impression this European city has on Americans pertains (generally) almost exclusively to sex, drugs and rock and roll.  And while yes, drug laws are far more relaxed and there is a red light district, there is so much more to Amsterdam than that. It is a city of gorgeous architecture, culture, food and design and I am absolutely itching to go back. 

I was intrigued when I heard that Amsterdam is home to the world's trendiest hotel.  Citizen M offers unique, modern design at REALLY low prices. There are 215 rooms in the hotel and all of them feature LCD TVs, a power rain shower (RAIN SHOWERS, GUYS,) climate control and a king-size bed. Gadget fans will appreciate the touch screen ‘MoodPad’ which allows you to control the television, window blinds, coloured mood lighting or even call a member of staff. Can you tell I really want to stay here? I'm not used to seeing this quality for such reasonable prices. 

Citizen M isn't just in Amsterdam - there are locations all over Europe combining fab design with affordability. With rooms as inexpensive as 66 euros a night (compared to hostels which can run more than $30 a person for dorm style rooms!) there's no reason not to turn your next sightseeing trip into something that feels far more romantic and luxurious.

On the Job: Kelly Arts Films

I was lucky enough to photograph a beautiful wedding in Los Angeles in late April. I'll have photos from the event up for viewing on the photo blog soon enough, but in the meantime I'd really like to share this video of the day made by Kelly Arts Films.

I cameo in it! Can you count the times? ;) 

I'm in love with it - I think it does such an incredible job of capturing the joy and spirit of the day.  As a photographer it was a new experience for me to work with videographers. Sam and Chas (you may recognize them from Young People in Love) were so easy and wonderful to work with.

The day was warm, sunny and so much fun. Sam & Chas, I hope to work with you again in the future! Check out Kelly Arts: Films for more information and pricing. 

Good Eats: Coolhaus Ice Cream Sandwiches.

I love a good ice cream sandwich. Who DOESN'T love a good ice cream sandwich? Whenever I was craving delectable ice cream in between two cookies I would always turn to my beloved Diddy Riese, which is hugely popular in Los Angeles.

Then I discovered CoolHaus in Culver City, and I have to say I like it even more! These are gourmet ice cream sandwiches, if there can be such a thing.  You start by choosing your cookie flavor, which can be anything from ginger-mollasses to vegan carrot cake. Then comes the ice cream - CoolHaus boasts flavors like mango saffron sorbet, chocolate chipotle and rosemary butterscotch. I mean, what??

I thoroughly enjoyed my balsamic fig and marscapone ice cream between two sea salt chocolate cookies. My friend sierra had beer and pretzels ice cream between ginger molasses cookies.  Both were insanely delicious!

CoolHaus mainly operates out of food trucks. They sell their delicious goodies in LA, Dallas, Austin, Miami and New York! Check the calendar on their website or follow them on twitter to see where the trucks will be, and then pig out to your heart's content.

Classic and Casual

| Jeans: J.Brand | Shoes: J.Crew (but these ones are cheaper!) | Bag: Asos (old, but I've got my eye on this one from Celcius.)  | Blouse: Romeo and Juliet Couture (Old) |  

This no-frills outfit was the perfect balance of comfy and crisp for a night out with friends. 

Linking up with WIWW!