Maternity photoshoot: Jhelyn + Robert

Yesterday I had a lovely opportunity to photograph parents to-be, Jhelyn and Robert. Although the weather was a bit gloomy and we had to hide in our cars and wait for rain clouds to pass twice, we made the best of it with about an hour until the sun started to set. 

The art of soap making

I spent Sunday morning and afternoon taking a soap making class at the Honolulu Museum of Art School. It was a beginning class where we learned the basics of soap making and safety precautions since the art of soap making, saponification, deals with chemical processes. We also got to take a one pound batch we each made by ourselves (which is currently being cured, then has to sit out for three weeks before I can use my own product). I made an almond milk infused soap, so I can't wait to test it out!

A very interesting fact I learned in class was that we may think we're using soaps to clean our bodies, but we might just be using detergent. Note that if the product you are purchasing does not say "soap" then it's most likely a detergent — which is really just a combination of chemicals and synthetic oils that's cheaper to produce. I.e. beauty car, cleansing bar, etc. ;)

I've developed keen admiration for handmade soaps mostly because I'm often fascinated by the packaging/wrapper used and for my love of aroma therapy. Now that I've learned the basics, I can't wait to experiment a little more with the endless array of combinations to use as recipes, especially exfoliation and scent factors. I'll also get to utilize my graphic design background to experiment with packaging design, but first I must invest in all of the supplies that I need to make soaps — that's always the hardest part.

Afternoon tea w/ Maybelle #maybelleworkshops

Sunday, August 3, 2014: I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a very intimate calligraphy course taught by Maybelle Imasa (website + instagram) at Cookspace Hawaii. Of course this eventful day would not have been made possible without the hardworking hands of Miemiko Co. and Cake Gallery Hawaii. 

It was a fun-packed three-hour long get together with inspirational people, delicious treats, and a wonderful area to learn and just mingle with like-minded creatives. Cari of Miemiko Co. gave me the chance to take my newly acquired Canon Mark 5d II for the very first time, as well as gave me another push to finally blog again. 

I've always wanted to attend a calligraphy course by Maybelle because she had been one of my inspirations from the very start of my newfound modern-day calligraphy interest. She's even more friendly in person than she is online. What I loved the most about her was that she took the initiative to reply to each and every of her many comments on Instagram to help others as much as she could. I would highly recommend taking her class as she now travels around the world teaching and telling her story. 

More photos are available in the gallery of my smilebox website: smileboxhawaii.com

The cities that I dream are not the cities that have been

During Christmas vacation, some of my friends got together for a vacation in Las Vegas. It was my first time being away from home an ocean away with friends. I would say we had quite an enjoyable time - no stress, eating, sight seeing, drinking, dancing, fun, fun and more fun - the typical lifestyle of a tourist in the city that never sleeps. 

Five days later I headed to San Francisco, and frankly I didn't like cold weather. However, I did enjoy exploring downtown during Christmas time - the perfect time to walk around during night with a hot drink in your hand as you enjoy the stores, decorations, lights and sidewalk entertainment. Other than the lack of vast exploration, I was with friends and their families, then I got sick, but after spending time in Las Vegas lacking hours of sleep, it was good to stay in a city that allowed for sleep.

Last but not least, I went to Los Angeles. My budget and cold hindered what could have been a grand vacation so I wasn't able to see much but that's enough for me to say I'll be back. With the endless array of fashionable shops, eclectic lounges, blocks and blocks full of art, there's always something that's fascinating in my eyes. But until then Los Angeles, I'll be back for you, the city of (my) dreams.

Sunflower fields forever

About three years ago, my good friends Kathrine and Josh, and I went to look for the famous Haleiwa sunflower fields. We were a little too late considering it was January when we thought of having such an adventure. This time Erika and Randi ventured out with us. It's already December and they've already started to wilt. Perhaps on my next visit, I'll get to see them at their prime. Regardless, these sunflowers are quite a beauty; a reminder in its bare existence to never forget to stop and smell the flowers, because sometimes we get so busy that we forget to cherish the bliss of the present. 

In other news, I've decided to return to blogging. I've missed it terribly, but I used to over obsess on the unnecessary which lead to inconsistency and my extreme loss of motivation. I've been busy trying to figure out my life, trying to eliminate hobby vs. potential career. I think being a gemini has a lot to do with it, but I'll probably save the explanation for a later post. Blogging more is one of my new year's resolutions for 2013, so I promise to blog more, that and to be more content-oriented. Enjoy!