Lately...

I was teaching one of my students last week, trying to explain to him the importance of rhythm when playing piano -- "Now M, rhythm is one of the life forces of music, without it, it lacks form! It gives songs a sense of identity, take Vanilla Ice for an example -- Ice Ice Baby dun dun dun dun dun dun dun, what if we were to throw a couple half notes in the mix and added a few rests in between, what the heck would that even sound like??" A blank stare covered his face -- "Who's Vanilla Ice?"

At that moment I realized, maybe I wasn't as hip as I thought. Here I was, trying to relate the importance of rhythm in music by making 90s references of bad one-hit-wonders to a kid who was probably born the same year the song was released. And that was real.

Feeling mildly defeated through the realization that the era of my twenties were soon coming to an end, I cleared my throat and performed my best Justin Bieber rendition of "Baby". Now we were on the same page.

---------

This year has been exciting and unexpected, turning 27 made me come to terms with a lot of things. I figured I'd share a few for "kicks" and giggles --

1. Wear sunscreen. Slather it on like it's free. Ditch the tanning beds and oils, avoid sunburns and get a sunscreen for the driver side window in your car. Your 40 year old self will thank you.

2. While we're on the topic of skincare, stop squinting so much. Also eliminate furrowing of brows, frowning, high levels of excessive stress, crash dieting, smoking, lack of sleep -- all direct causes of: wrinkles.

3. Now that we're done freaking out about the whole "aging" dilemma there's the weight aspect too. Three simple steps: eat WHOLESOME foods, stay ACTIVE, and love your BODY. It's all you need to do to live in a healthy state of mind and being.

4. Don't compare yourself to others, respect what your mama gave you and own it. Utilize your talents and make this life beautiful.

5. Time is the most precious thing you have. Spend it on people who you truly love and appreciate  and don't waste it on ones that take it for granted.

6. Be kind to others. Just because that guy wants to be a butt hole doesn't mean you have to be. Take the high road and put forth positive energy, the World needs it.

7. Protect yourself. People pleasers never win because the only one that ends up losing is you. Don't place yourself in situations that make you uncomfortable, you control the outcome.

8. Learn something new. A dance class, a cooking class, an art class or heck read a book on a topic that interests you. Something. Anything. Don't let that brain go to waste.

9. There's always time for reflection, make room for it. Take a quarterly analysis of your overall life -- relationships, career, personal growth -- the positives, the negatives, and what needs to be changed to ensure a better path forward.

10. Take chances always, what's the worst that can happen? Have the confidence to pave your own journey, path building comes afterwards.

------------

I recently upgraded to the new I phone and have really dove deep into Instagram. Actually I just love having a good quality point and shoot attached to my phone. It throws me straight into "Crazy Asian Picture Time" mode. Don't know what that is? You'll have to ask my husband for an in-depth explanation, he does a killer impression. But for now, enjoy these captures I've taken throughout this Summer..

Last year during our honeymoon, Collin and I stayed in Positano, Italy at the beautiful Le Sirenuse. They were recently ranked as one of the top 100 hotels in the World by Travel and Leisure magazine -- a special congratulations is in order to the fabulous Sersale family. You can find a few images on their website that I captured along with other breathtaking photos of their haven, be sure to check it out.  Thank you Le Sirenuse for all the beautiful memories your gem of a hotel provided us, it was one of the most magical places I've ever visited indeed!

 

In other exciting news, some of my travel photography has been picked up and I am now represented by the Voltz Clarke Agency in New York City! You can find my work here on the website for more info on my work and bio.

Lastly, a few shots from The Bowery, a restaurant that recently opened in Dallas last week.

A delectable gourmet hot dog joint with sweet libations ranging from cocktails to milkshakes, The Bowery is a great place for a friends gathering or a late-night bite.

I had to take home a little snack for myself afterwards and ordered the Mexican and some sweet potato taters.

The Mexican dog was wrapped in bacon and topped with pinto beans, sour cream, contija cheese, salsa verde, tomatoes and jalapeños -- it took me back to my kitchen days in Tucson, Arizona. They also had other interesting dogs like The Moroccan with a lamb sausage and apricot preserves and even a Vietnamese Bahn Mi dog with pork sausage and hoisin sauce. Good stuff people, you can check it out here:

 

Be sure to check out The Bowery: 3407 Mckinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204

Mon - Thu:5:00 pm-12:00 pmFri - Sat:5:00 pm-1:00 amSun:11:00 am-12:00 am