Maggie

Illustration by Anna Birkedal

In summer 2012, Maggie, a seven year old, black chihuahua and dachshund mix, literally fell into our laps. We weren't looking to adopt a dog, but Maggie quickly won us all over with her soulful, sweet brown eyes and quiet but infectious personality. Slowly, as she got to know us, Maggie's personality blossomed, and instead of quietly following us around, she would demand to be the center of attention, bark when she wanted to go on a walk, and we absolutely loved her for it. Maggie exemplified every positive trait of dogs - she was fearless, loyal, always excited, always happy to see us. She genuinely helped me and my family through the most difficult years of our lives.

On May 5th, my sweet Maggie passed away from cancer at age 11. And though it's now been a month and a half, it still hurts so much. Thus why I have avoided writing this post - I still don't want to believe it. I miss her so much, and I keep thinking of all the moments I wasn't able to catch of her on video or in photos (I have a bunch on my phone, but very few on my DSLRs since she never stood still) - I'm so afraid of forgetting. Like how she would click her water dish when she needed water, or how her ears would perk just so when she heard a noise below her...

Knowing we got her for only four of her eleven years has been incredibly hard. I am so heartbroken I wasn't able to spend 11 amazing years with her, but even though this has been so painful I am so glad I was able to know this truly, strong, feisty little dog. I miss you Maggie...

Illustration by Anna Birkedal was a sweet surprise that left me in tears! Thank you so much Anna - I'll never forget your kindness in such a sad time.

Land Locked Mermaid by Karen Sofia Colon

Last January, I had the pleasure of spending the day with Karen Sofia Colon (and our mutual friend Bao Ngo!) talking, eating ice cream, and collaborating on photos! It was an absolute joy to not only get to pose for this incredibly talented individual - but get to talk to her as well. Karen is remarkably warm, infectious - and has the type of personality that immediately puts you on ease... I hope to be reunited with her soon!

For our shoot together, Karen envisioned me as a mermaid - it was absolutely freezing (it being January when these were taken heh...) and sitting in a metal barrel (... thing?! I'm not sure what this was!) was pretty uncomfortable, but the end result is amazing!

An extra photo we took earlier in the day in the forest.

I have a few projects I'm working on and hope to be updating more frequently soon - I'm looking forward to sharing ♡!

Everyday Makeup

I shared my everyday makeup routine (on video!) last year, and thought it was high time I did an updated routine! Here are the makeup products I currently can't get enough of - and how cute is my makeup bag?

- Glossier Priming Moisturizer *
A lightweight moisturizer that makes helps my foundation go on beautifully and lasts longer.

- Maybelline Cushion Foundation *
I've discussed how much I love this foundation in the past - I've been wearing it nonstop since I got it and can't get enough of the buildable coverage and dewy finish.

- Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Concealer *

- Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
This is my holy grail translucent powder! For the longest time, I thought all powders gave you a somewhat cakey appearance - until this one from Laura Mercier! It practically melts into ones skin and works wonders for baking under the eyes (which helps disguise my under eye bags)!

- Glossier Boy Brow *
Another product I've been using since I first got it, this amazing brow pomade is fool proof and fills in the brows without leaving them feeling crispy.

- Wet n Wild Color Icon Ombré Blush in The Princess Daiquiris
I really cannot get enough of this $5 blush - it leaves a hazy, delicate peachy cast on the skin. J'Adore!

- CoverFx Custom Enhancer Drops in Celestial *
The absolute best liquid highlighter I have come across - I take this with me everywhere, just look at how beat up mine is in the photo! Highlighter is my favorite makeup product right now - and this gives the most intense, almost metallic beam. I apply it above the cheekbone and on the tip of the nose undiluted, but you can even mix it with your moisturizers, foundations, and more to add a drop of radiance.

- Maybelline Color Sensational Insta-Matte Nudes in Honey Pink *
Another product I've mention in the past - but this truly "honey pink" hue is ticking all the boxes for me this Spring/Summer season! I even got one for my Grammy, who is equally as smitten with it...

- Pixi Makeup Fixing Mist *
I am absolutely in love with Pixi's products and have been for around 6 years now. One of my first eyeshadow palettes ever was from Pixi, and slowly I've been growing my skincare collection with their products! This mist is lovely.

You might recognize a few products here from mentioning them before in prior posts - but when I find something that works, I stick to it! What makeup products have you been loving lately? I always love hearing your recommendations!

Caramel by Bao Ngo

Happy Friday! I wanted to share this photoshoot I did with the amazing Bao Ngo last January! After spending the day shooting outside in the cold with Karen Sofia Colon and visiting a nearby bakery, we headed to an Airbnb we rented. We cranked up the heater and chatted until Karen fell asleep - while whispering we decided to do another shoot in the cosy, warm Airbnb and it was so nice and relaxing! Here's hoping the stars align and I get to see Bao again soon - truly one of the sweetest, most talented and hilarious people I've had the pleasure of working with! You can see the first shoot we did together here.

Here's to the weekend!