It’s finally the day! My new visual identity, website, and blog has been unleashed into the Internet!

Be sure to go check out everything new!

If you are a blog subscriber, be sure to update your feed with the new blog address!!

I’m not really the type to go get on a soapbox and ask for votes, but today, I am. I’ve entered a few images into the Altar’d State Stand Out Photographer contest! I’m super excited about this opportunity because they just opened their first Texas location in Frisco!

But what I love most about this opportunity would be working with this company, for what they stand for: being fashion focused and cause motivated. Every Monday, 10% of net proceeds go to local charities, they fund employee volunteer hours each month, and work with vendor partners who share their mission to give back such as Toms, Feed Projects, FashionABLE, Krochet Kids, and Jedidiah. I love that giving back is their mission statement.

Voting is SUPER easy! Just click the link under each of these photos, and once the box pops up, click VOTE. That’s it! You only get to vote once, so it’s super easy.

CLICK HERE to VOTE: http://on.fb.me/UyLycG

CLICK HERE to VOTE: http://on.fb.me/UyLlGB

CLICK HERE to VOTE: http://on.fb.me/UyLwBH

Thanks so much in advance for your support!!

Voting period: September 25, 2012 – October 23, 2012

Round Two:  October 24, 2012 Announce top 2 photographers from each area [determined by votes]

Altar’d State Judges Choose Stand Out Photographer for each store: October 29, 2012

I’ll always remember what he ordered. “The cheeseburger without cheese.”

I can’t remember what I got. I just know there were fries involved.

As we sat in that booth with vinyl seating, under the pendant light at TGI Friday’s, we conversed. Learned more about each other beyond the, “Hi my name is ____ and I’m from _______,” that happened frequently interning at Disney World.

I was in a place where I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. Photography was not even on my radar at the time. But I knew that the time I had in Florida was precious and being filled with dreams I hadn’t ever imagined.

Seven years ago I said, “Yes,” to a dinner invitation that changed my life.

Here’s to more years of ordering cheeseburgers without cheese, sitting in vinyl covered booths, and chasing dreams, together.

Dear Cent, Thank you for always encouraging my dreams, even when I feel like it wouldn’t work. You never let me give up, and I can’t thank you enough for that. I love you!

Stay tuned to big changes…coming very very soon!

(source eeoo, via thedecorista)

Until then, for all of you who are recently engaged (CONGRATS! Call me! hehe) or may be getting ready to get engaged, here’s a quick list from Every Last Detail to start your wedding planning!

Be sure to check out the full, detailed post on Every Last Detail!

(List from Every Last Detail)

I know I’d like to remain where things are nice and comfortable. Where I know how things will turn out. Where I feel safe and secure.

But in order to make things happen in life, it takes some risk taking and some change.

It’s funny though because it’s simple enough to talk about change, think about change, and dream about change, but in order for it to make any difference, change has to HAPPEN. And when things start to change, and things start to happen, it starts to give those afraid of change a nervous tick.

But in order to grow and evolve, we have to change. Whether it’s small or large, change happens.

(via Five Words)

I was ready for change with my brand and visual identity. But, I was afraid of change, so I remained where I was. Even though I wasn’t in love with my logo and brand elements. In fact, recently, every time I’ve passed out a business card, I felt like I had to apologize for it. I’ve outgrown my current brand and it’s time for a change.

Change is coming soon!

Until then, a few images that have inspired me and the direction of the new brand.

(Photo found here.)

(Photo from 7th House on the Left)

(Photo by Elizabeth Messina)

(Photo by Hayley Johnson Photography)

(Photo from Uncovet)

When my sister was a baby, my dad’s parents, my grandparents, Lolo and Lola, would come over for the weekend. And every Saturday, back when there was still good TV programming on Saturdays, we would watch the line up. I remember watching Golden Girls.

This morning I found out that my Lola passed away last night. She had just turned 84 last week. She lived in the Philippines with my aunt. Thankfully, she passed peacefully in her sleep, joining my Lolo in heaven.

It wasn’t quite the piece of news I expected to receive today.

I kind of feel how Kevin looks in this photo.

The news of today just reminds me that life is finite. Hug your loved ones tighter and tell them you love them.

I haven’t seen my Lola since she moved back to the Philippines years ago. I had seen photos, I had wished her birthday greetings, but knowing I won’t see her again, makes it all very real. Be sure to tell the important people in your life just how much they mean to you.

But in this fast paced life that is 2012, it’s important to celebrate accomplishments big and small. I wrote this post at the beginning of 2011, and yes, it’s a year and a half later, and I think back to where I was then. I wrote this post earlier this year and declared that I wanted to lose weight. Again. Why is that always on the goal list?

A few months ago, after a visit to the doctor’s office, I got really serious about my health and my weight, and making a dent in the goal I placed in front of myself.

Well, after stepping on the scale, I was pleasantly surprised to see the number. And pleased! (if you’re a woman, I’m sure you know the dilemma…)

Small victory! I’ve lost 10lbs since my doctor’s appointment, and 20lbs total since that first blog post.

And, when it’s yourself, it’s sometimes hard to see. But photos, they don’t lie.

I found this photo from last year on Facebook. And I remember the day I saw it posted. I was appalled at my face (we’re our own worst critics!)

Then, this photo was posted from a party last week. 20lbs lighter!

I couldn’t really see the difference until I saw it. With my own eyes.

I’ve always been self conscious about my weight. It’s always been a touchy subject. I’ve done P90X, I’ve done Weight Watchers, I’ve counted calories, and countless sessions at the gym. It’s always been frustrating, whether it’s shopping, eating, going to events, or whatever.

But I’m happy. I’m celebrating this small victory. I have a ways to go, but I’m proud I’ve made it this far.

What small victories can you celebrate today?

(Top photo: November Lily | Bottom photo: Sara & Rocky)

If you want to attend, be sure to RSVP to rsvpdallasevent@gmail.com!