WINTER AT THE BLUFF

Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of spending a weekend at Montage Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, South Carolina. I had never been to South Carolina, and while my stay was brief, it was so memorable it already has me plotting a return. It’s safe to say, I love the low country. Perhaps a trip to Charleston next?

As you drive to the hotel, you can’t help but notice how absolutely gorgeous the property is. Everywhere you look there are ancient live oaks and the most charming homes with shutters, wrap around porches and rocking chairs. Everything was right out of my southern fantasy. My room in the hotel had what I can honestly say is the most comfortable bed i’ve ever slept in, a sitting area, a huge bathroom with everything you could ever need and a balcony; the perfect place to sip your morning coffee in the cozy bathrobe and slippers they provide.

After I got situated, I grabbed one of the bikes reserved for hotel guests and decided to explore the property. It was a beautiful day, and while I was feeling under the weather, I wasn’t going to let that stop me. I biked to adorable guest cottages overlooking the May river and though endless tree lined streets dripping with Spanish moss. I saw blue herons wading in the marsh and alligators soaking up the sun (I was told if you don’t bother them, they won’t bother you). I got back to the hotel and warmed up with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire. I couldn’t believe quite how vast the property was; 20,000 acres to be exact. Half of which is the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy and will never be developed. I love knowing how dedicated they are to not only preserving the surrounding land, but conserving it for all the little creatures that are lucky enough to call it home.

Winters are mild in the low country, and while it might be a bit too cold to use one of the many pools on the property, there is an endless amount of things to do during the colder months. We went bowling, played bocci, shot clays at the shooting club, had s’mores by the fire pit, went on a conservancy tour, had a hydrating facial at the spa and some of us went horseback riding (it sadly rained during my scheduled ride). There are also lots of restaurants on the property, depending on your mood; and a general store, if you just want groceries. Ultimately you don’t ever need to leave Palmetto Bluff, but we did venture out one evening to explore the historic town of Bluffton and eat at FARM. Honestly I have not stopped thinking about that meal ever since. It was one of the best i’ve had in quite some time and the cocktails are a must.

Before I knew it, the weekend was over. I truly had such an amazing time. Everyone who works at Montage Palmetto Bluff really takes that southern hospitality thing to the next level.

If you’d like to check it out for yourself use this link with code JWEBSTER to get a complimentary third night, now through February.

GEMS OF THE JAVA SEA // SEABOURN CRUISES

When I was asked if I was interested in sailing the Java Sea for 10 days with Seabourn Cruises, I jumped at the chance. I had never been to Asia and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to change that. While I've traveled quite a lot on my own in the US, it's really only in the past year that i've become more comfortable doing it overseas. A cruise seemed like a good way for me to get a taste of Indonesia, while still having the comfort of a consistent place to call home. 

After 24 hrs of travel I arrived in Bali, was picked up from the airport and driven to our ship, The Encore. The first thing I noticed when boarding was how beautifully designed the ship was. It was very sophisticated and modern, which appealed to my eye. Not only was the ship gorgeous, but the service from start to finish was beyond any place I'd ever stayed. The staff was incredible, seriously I can't say enough about them. They all went above and beyond for every guest and that is the kind of thing that stays with you. Special shout out to my stewardess Janet who brought me a fresh fruit plate every afternoon and spent 3 days trying to track down the perfect dry white wine for me, so I could have it in my room. Speaking of my room, I stayed in the Veranda Suite, which had a king size bed, a gorgeous marble bathroom with separate shower and tub (which I love), a walk in closet, a seating area and my favorite part, my own balcony. I can't tell you how much I loved that balcony; I had breakfast out there most mornings and in the afternoons I'd go out there to sip wine, listen to an audiobook and stare out into the ocean. It was the perfect place to unwind,  be alone with my thoughts and stay out of that hot Indonesian sun. 

Our original itinerary:                                               

1. Denpasar, Bali
2. Denpasar, Bali
3. Komodo Island
4. At sea
5. Celukan Bawang, Bali
6. Problinggo, Java
7. Surabaya, Java 
8. Semarang, Java
9. At sea
10. At sea
11. Singapore

Our updated itinerary:

1. Denpasar, Bali
2. Denpasar, Bali
3. Komodo Island
4. At sea
5. Problinggo, Java
6. Surabaya, Java
7. Surabaya, Java 
8. Semarang, Java
9. At sea
10. At sea
11. Singapore

When I first arrived on the ship I was told that the original itinerary had changed due to a Hindu holiday and that we would no longer be stopping in Celukan Bawang, which is in north Bali. I was extremely disappointed to find out this information because most of the places I was excited to see were in Bali. That meant that I only had the next morning to explore as much as possible since we were departing at noon. Because of my bad jet lag I had no problem waking up early, so I got off the ship at 6:30am, found a driver and told him to take me to the rice terraces which are 1.5 hrs away. When we got there I was completely in awe. They were absolutely worth the drive. After a walk through the rice paddies, the driver showed me as much of the island as he could given our time restraints. He took me to a local market, a Hindu temple and a batik shop before heading back to the ship. It was so hard to leave after getting the tiniest taste. From what I experienced, the Balinese are extremely kind and happy people. I really hope to make it back some day. If you are looking to book this cruise I would suggest getting to Bali a few days earlier so you have time to see the Island and adjust to the time difference before the ship departs. 

Our next stop ended up being my favorite of all, Komodo Island. On this trip I got to choose 2 offshore excursions hosted by Seabourn. I chose the pink beach on Komodo Island and Borobodour Temple in Java. I found out that because of the strict rules on visitors to Komodo, you could only go ashore if you payed for one of the three offshore excursions offered; otherwise you would have to stay back on the ship. While the view from the ship of Komodo and the surrounding islands was spectacular, I was so glad I got to go ashore. Pink beach was heaven; the pale pink sand juxtaposing the turquoise water and the green grass in a shade unlike anything I'd ever seen. There were snorkels and refreshments provided, but I spent my time walking the beach and hiking up a cliff to get the best view. I didn't see any Komodo Dragons (that was offered on a separate excursion), but I still kept my eye out just incase. 

Once we made it to Java, I realized just how different each Indonesian island is. Java is quite conservative compared to Bali. They are not used to tourists in the same way the Balinese are, so when we got there I made sure to dress modestly as not to offend anyone. I still managed to have a few unfortunate and negative experiences as a woman traveling alone. Perhaps it differs depending on which city or town you visit; Java is enormous. For the most part I found the people of Java to be loving and joyous. I tried not to let a few negative experiences taint my view of the people or the place, but I can't say I suggest traveling there alone as a women. On another note, my excursion to Borobodour Temple (which was with a group), was one of the more memorable and meaningful experiences I had. Borobodour is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It is really a sight to behold; the sheer size, the intricate carvings, the wild jungle that surrounds it. If you ever find yourself in Java, I highly recommend a visit. The drive there is beautiful too. It's 2.5 hours from Semarang and takes you through rice paddies and colorful little villages. Because the drive is a bit long, our ship's tour buses made sure to stop for snacks and a quick break at a coffee shop along the way and then batik and souvenir shopping on the way home. 

On sea days you are never searching for things to do. You could easily stay on board the entire cruise and never leave. There are multiple lectures daily, dance parties, movies or shows every night. The ship has two pools, four whirlpools, a casino, a spa, a gym and a trivia game every other day. I spent my time lounging by the pool, getting a massage at the spa and I even took a guided meditation class. The food on board was also fabulous. Not at all what you'd expect on a cruise, not that I knew what to expect. My favorite restaurant was the sushi restaurant. It was so good, I ate there at least 4 times during my stay. Thomas Keller also has a restaurant on board. Yes that Thomas Keller. Just make sure to make a reservation when you arrive, as it's reservation only and books up quickly. The other restaurants you can just walk in. I got very spoiled with all the choices daily. One of the things I noticed and loved was that in the morning they had breakfast for practically every country and culture present. There was everything from eggs, beans on toast to congee and muesli. Truly something for everyone. 

A lot of you asked if there were any people my age on board. The short answer is, no not many, but I didn't mind. Actually I loved it. Everyone on board was friendly, well traveled and had fabulous stories to tell. For once I wasn't self conscious of my bikini body (or lack there of) and everyone said good morning or hello to you when you passed; something I feel like my generation has lost. For the most part we tend to keep to our phones and so rarely make in person connections with strangers. On this trip I talked to so many people over the 10 days, I never felt lonely. Seabourn also does a really smart thing where if you're traveling alone they invite you each night to sit at a different table hosted by various people on board. I met so many great people that way and made some real connections. 

When we made it to Singapore I had a really hard time leaving. I had gotten so used to a slower pace of life and waking up in a new and beautiful place each day. After making friends with many avid cruise travelers, they all said the same thing as to why they love Seabourn. They love it for it's intimate size (Encore only has 600 guests), the level of service and of course...the food. Now I can see why. 

PS. EVERYONE I talked to said the Seabourn Antarctica cruise is one of the most incredible and memorable travel experiences of their lives. Antarctica is a place I've never considered, but now it's on my list! 

OJAI TRAVEL GUIDE // FROM A LOCAL

Yes that's right, here is the Ojai insiders guide you've been asking for. At least once a month I get an email from a friend or blog reader asking where to stay and what to do in Ojai. Their seems to be a new guide or article written about Ojai weekly and I can't say my guide is any different. It is however more extensive than most and written by someone who grew up there. 

Ojai has changed quite a bit since I was a child. Growing up it was a hippie town, where you knew practically everyones name and could leave your car door unlocked. A place that drew all sorts of creative and spiritual types. I guess none of that has changed exactly, but It got a little more conservative somewhere in there and now I think it is having a little bohemian resurgence. Young people are realizing what a wonderful oasis it is less than two hours from Los Angeles and therefor it's becoming, dare I say, hip. Not to get ahead of myself here. It still has a ways to go. Well known actors and musicians are moving here to get away from the city life and it seems to be "the" place to get married these days. I feel really lucky to have been raised in such a sweet town. I also feel lucky that my parents still call this place home and I get to spend holidays here and visit whenever I like. People ask me if I mind that it is getting more and more popular, but truthfully I am glad. With popularity comes cuter shops and better restaurants. Here are some of my favorites below.

To Stay //

Ojai Rancho Inn

- there is no doubt this inn is the hippest spot in town. the rooms have that rustic/bohemian vibe. burn some palo santo, lounge by the pool or have a picnic on the lawn. you can even bring your dog. make sure to stop by their bar cheif's peak to have a beer and listen to vinyl. 

Ojai Valley Inn

- looking for a more luxurious getaway, than this is your place. a sprawling resort known for it's spa, golf course and celebrity guests. they have three pools and six restaurants on the property. both couples and families alike flock here. a slightly older crowd. 

Caravan Outpost

- this place could not be cuter. stay in one of eleven decked out airstreams and end your nights around the cozy fire pit getting to know the other guests. there are picnic tables, a shop for all your needs and yes there is wifi. borrow one of the many bikes they have available for guests and ride a short distance into town. 

Airbnb

- looking to have a more authentic Ojai experience? check out one of the many cute vacation rentals. 

Emerald Iguana Inn

- a peaceful boutique inn about a 10 min walk from town. perfect for couples or friends looking to relax. no kids allowed. some of the rooms have kitchens, wood burning stoves and clawfoot tubs. 

Lavender Inn

- this charming schoolhouse from 1874 was turned into a bed and breakfast with 8 guest rooms. it sits right in the center of town, walking distance to most restaurants and shops. 

To Eat //

Farmer and the Cook

 - an organic grocery store and restaurant where you'll find me most days.  on saturday and sunday from 8:30-11:30am they serve my favorite huevos rancheros and other yummy breakfast items. friday and saturday from 5:30-8:30pm they have a weekend farm cafe with yummy salads and wood fired pizzas. other daily favorites are the salad bar, the dairy free chai and their acai bowl. 

Azu

 - a tapas restaurant great for lunch or dinner or to just grab a drink at the bar. one of my favorite spots in town. 

Knead Baking Co

- my favorite place to go in the mornings for coffee , housemade pastries and baked goods. their seeded bagel with cream cheese and their breakfast sandwich are my go-to's. closed mon and tue. 

Osteria Monte Grappa

 - go for a romantic italian meal and a bottle of wine. closed mon. 

Hip Vegan

- delicious and healthy. grab lunch and a date shake and sit on their shaded patio. 

Ojai Tortilla House

- the perfect place for a quick and easy lunch. there is no seating, so I take my tacos to-go and eat them at beautiful libbey park across the street. 

Bocalli's

 - this homey italian restaurant is a staple in Ojai. It's the one and only restaurant on the east side of town. they're known for their delicious tomato salad and strawberry shortcake. 

Bonnie Lu's

 - if you're looking for a classic american breakfast with a kitschy diner feel this is the place. closed wed. 

East End Restaurant & Bar

- this gastropub on the east end of town has become a go-to for my family. they have a full bar and really good pot pies perfect for a chilly night. 

Coffee //

Ojai Coffee Roasting Co

- right in the center of town. you'll see the locals here every morning (including my dad).

Coffee Connection

- organic coffee in the meiner's oaks part of town.

Bars //

Deer Lodge

- grab a beer and see some live music at this classic Ojai spot that feels right out of a different era. on sundays a sea of bikers come from far and wide to have brunch here. 

Ojai Beverage Co

- pick up a bottle of wine, beer or liquor from their large selection to drink back in your hotel room or order beer and bar snacks in their tap house.

Chief's Peak

 - a charming beer and wine bar located at the Ojai Rancho Inn.

The Hut

- an authentic dive, equipped with pool tables and karaoke. you may get starred down by the locals. 

Shops //

Bart's Books

- an Ojai institution. wander, sit and enjoy this outdoor bookstore where you can pay for a books on the honor system during closing hours.

In The Field

- owners bianca and channon have that effortless, bohemian style I so admire and their shop is no different. for a mixture of both new and vintage housewares and clothing for men and women, you must stop in. closed mon and tue.  

Modern Folk Living

- I like to stop at this well curated shop to pick up a new cookbook, a gift for a friend or perhaps a jacket from ace and jig. make sure to buy an Ojai apolis jute bag before you walk to the farmer's market next door and load up on produce. 

deKor&Co

- a lovely new addition to ojai, dekor & co is the sister store to dekor here in los angeles and one of the few shops you can find stylish furnishings and rugs as well as housewares. they also have a little tea room inside the store if you need a shopping break. closed tue. 

Summer Camp

 - nestled in an old gas station is this adorable shop and custom framer. whether it's a vintage blanket, local pottery or a campfire scented candle I have trouble leaving here empty handed. closed mon.

Fig Curated Living

- as you walk down the hallway/entrance to this tucked away little shop you will feel like you're in on a secret. They have an array of gifts for both the home and garden. 

Tipple & Ramble

- stock up on beautiful home goods and table top decor at this new shop in town. you can even pack a picnic and eat on their patio under the oak trees. 

Hattie

- come to this boutique for a nice selection of denim, cozy scarves and cashmere sweaters. 

To Do //

Farmer's Market

- if you happen to be in Ojai between 9am-1pm on a sunday you must check out the farmer's market. since Ojai is surrounded by some of the best farm country in southern california it is one of the best (in my opinion). there is also a nice selection of hand carved bowls, baskets and artisanal goods made by locals.

Porch Gallery

- after you go to the farmer's market walk next door and check out this art gallery inside a house built in the 1870's. each month they feature new and established contemporary artists, including many locals. 

Ojai Meadow Preserve

-  a stretch of 58 acres owned and maintained by the Ojai Valley land conservancy. walk around, take a hike. In the spring months it is covered with wild mustard flowers. quite a beautiful sight to behold. 

Bocalli's Pumpkin Patch

- I absolutely love autumn in Ojai. while it's still quite warm during the day, the leaves are changing and the fall produce overflows from roadside trees. around halloween I like to roam around the bocalli's pumpkin patch and corn field. I try to get my fall fix when I can. 

Beatrice Wood Center For The Arts

- the famous avant-garde artist and ceramicist beatrice wood lived most her life in her beloved Ojai, until her death at 105. you can go visit the center named in her honor, to see her work as well as rotating exhibits and workshops. 

Meditation Mount

- I grew up down the road from this magical place and spent many a sunset here, so it holds a very special place in my heart. It is perched on top of a mountain on the east end of Ojai Valley. go to meditate, roam the gardens or to watch the famed "pink moment." the views are simply breathtaking. just remember to whisper. 

Spa day at Ojai Valley Inn

- if you're looking to relax and be pampered while in town you must head here. get a luxurious massage or just a day pass to use the pool, steam room and jacuzzi. 

Aa Relaxing Station

- a little chinese massage place right in the middle of town. get an hour foot massage for only $35. you will not be sorry. 

Sespe River

- hike to the sespe river and look for the hot springs (if they're open). 

Ojai Olive Oil

 - tour the olive orchards and go for an olive oil tasting. only open on wed or saturday. 

Old Creek Ranch Winery

- on your drive into town stop to do a little wine tasting.

Bike Ride

- many of the local inns lend out bikes to their guests. ride into town or on the bike trail. 

SNAP CLASS! | LOS ANGELES

Our second Snap Class! Los Angeles took place at the very cool Fifth photo studio in the Arts District. All of the lovely props and accessories were provided by Harmony Creative

Our friends at Sugarfina provided the students with the equally beautiful and delicious candies

A big thanks to Deluxe Screen Printing for making all of our gift bag totes

Our favorite baker Little Spark Cookies made us the most adorable summer themed cookies

Kim teaching the students how to capture movement

Urban Palate provided the most delicious spread for lunch. Still thinking about that quinoa salad

Velvetleaf Studio put together the gorgeous florals for the students to photograph and practice using their manual settings

Teaching the students how I style and photograph my Instagrams

Thank you to all of our Snap Class! LA sponsors and vendors. We couldn't do it without you!

Fifth

Harmony Creative

Sugarfina

Little Spark Cookies

Velvetleaf Studio

Urban Palate

Deluxe Screen Printing

Gordy's Camera Straps

Hip Apothica

GUEST POST // LARK & LINEN

I am guest posting today for the lovely Jacquelyn of Lark & Linen while she's in Mexico. I am sharing some scenes and thoughts from my weekend. I hope you'll check it out. 

SNAP CLASS! | SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco was such a fun and welcoming city to have our first out of town Snap Class!

In the morning we had the most delicious pastries from Craftsman & Wolves.

Hunt and Gather Rentals provided all the cute serveware and props for the food

A huge thanks for JOBY for supplying our students with great camera straps and stands

The ladies behind Going Lovely helped us decorate the space and gave us all kinds of fun props to play and shoot with

Bi-Rite Market provided lunch and Black Jet Baking Co. gave us yummy sweet treats to end our meal

One of my favorite aspects were the adorable California cookies provided by Little Spark Cookies. She even made us Instagram cookies to go in all the giftbags

Melissa and Addison of Twigss Floral Studio came by to put together some beautiful floral arrangements for the students to photograph

Thank you to all of our San Francisco vendors and sponsors for helping make Snap Class! so special:

Going Lovely

Hunt and Gather Rentals

Twigss Floral Studio

Craftsman & Wolves

Little Spark Cookies

Bi-Rite Market

Black Jet Baking Co.

Joby

Hip Apotheca

Lilikoi Design

Today we are announcing our second Los Angeles Snap Class! on April 12th. Go sign up, before it sells out!

SNAP CLASS! | LOS ANGELES

Our first Snap Class! was held at the beautiful Beachwood Studios. Geronimo Balloons was sweet enough to give us a bunch of balloons to decorate the space

Disregarden provided all the furniture, accessories and fun vintage props for the students to photograph

The amazing Rebecca Buenik helped us style the space and made us all the confetti

In the morning, Stumptown Coffee Roasters provided us with the much needed cold brew and Figgy Bakery made us all kinds of yummy vegan and gluten free pastries for our students to snack on

One of our local favorites, P.F. Candle Co. gave us the most amazing smelling campfire candle to burn in class and a little something for each of the students

Urban Palate provided the most delicious lunch, perfect for practicing our food photography skills as well as eating, of course

The adorable Clöe from Bon Puf came and surprised the students with cotton candy

Snap Class! Los Angeles was such an amazing day and experience. Kim and I had only taught mini workshops in the past, so teaching a full day was a slightly terrifying, yet exciting challenge. I can't get over how creative, fun an eager to learn each and every one of our students were. You all made our hard work and months of planning worth it. I can hardly believe Snap Class! San Francisco is less than two weeks away. If you'd like to join us, we still have a few spots left!

Thank you to all of our amazing sponsors and vendors, who all contributed in making our first Snap Class! so special:

Beachwood Studios

Disregarden

Rebecca Buenik

Geronimo Balloons

Urban Palate

Figgy Bakery

Stumptown Coffee Roasters

Bon Puf

Samy's Camera

P.F. Candle Co.

Alien Skin

VSCO

Riffle Paper Co.

Lilikoi Design & Letterpress

HAPPY NEW YEAR & A SNAP CLASS! GIVEAWAY

To celebrate the New Year and Snap Class! Kim and I are giving away 1 spot to our LA Snap Class! on January 11th to one lucky Sweet Thing reader. We will be teaching all kinds of photography techniques and post processing tricks. All you have to do is sign up below. You can even get extra entires for tweeting about it and following us on all of our social media channels. A winner will be chosen at random and announced here on Sweet Thing on January 8th 10am PST. For more info on Snap Class! check out our website here. 

*$375 Value (travel & hotel not included) Snap Class! will be held in Los Angeles on January 11th 9am-5pm. One winner will be chosen at random on Wednesday January 8th at 10AM PST. The winner will be announced on Sweet Thing

THE WINNER IS RYANN MOORE! CONGRATS RYANN!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

AUTUMN ORCHARD

These were also taken over Thanksgiving weekend in Ojai. I clearly have a fascination with fruit trees. Fall colors are so captivating. 

OLIVE ORCHARD

The olive tree is my most favorite of all trees. I love the contrast of the silvery green leaves and the purple olives. Ojai is filled with olive orchards, so on the drive to my family's house I made sure to stop and take a few photos. 

SNAPSHOTS FROM THANKSGIVING

It's hard to beat Thanksgiving in Ojai and I am sure you can see why. Like every year I spend it in my hometown with my family and our closest friends. Lilly (pictured above) is my oldest friend in the world. At this point she is like a sister to me and it is such a complete joy to spend time with her and her beautiful growing family. How was your Thanksgiving my dears? More photos from my weekend in Ojai coming soon. 

SNAP CLASS!

I am so very excited to announce that my dear friend and fellow photographer, Kimberly Genevieve and I are launching Snap Class!

Snap Class! is a photography workshop (actually two separate workshops), one for beginners or anyone who wants to learn basics on how to improve your photos, for your blog or Instagram. Major secrets will be revealed. The second one is aimed at advanced level photographers who want to break into the industry, but need the proper tools to do so. We will be covering advanced post-processing techniques, how to find your unique style and talk about all things business related. Kim and I taught our first mini-workshop back in March and have been working tirelessly to put together Snap Class! ever since. We promise you will come away with all kinds of helpful photo knowledge and it doesn't hurt that we are super fun to hang out with. Every workshop will include a special guest speaker, hand chosen by us, to help inspire and give you advice. Check out our website for more information and make sure to spread the word!

SNAP CLASS! BASIC // PHOTOGRAPHY FOR BEGINNERS

los angeles - saturday, january 11th 

san francisco - saturday, february 1st

HERE'S THE BREAKDOWN:

- learn camera settings & functions

- our preferred camera equipment

- inspiration & where to find it

- how to find locations & utilize natural light (indoors & out)

- finding your own personal style & aesthetic

- how to make street-style photos look more editorial

- basic post-processing tricks using Photoshop, VSCO & Alien Skin

- how to color correct & retouch skin

- a lifestyle photo session with Kimberly: Let's get creative in the neighborhood. She's going to teach you how to bring color & movement to your portraits & style shoots

- a styling photo session with Jessie: Let's create beautiful tabletops & vignettes using food & items from around the house for your blog & Instagram

- a guest speaker, hand chosen by us, will help inspire and give advice

LET'S TALK INSTAGRAM:

- learn editing techniques & the apps we recommend for quick color correction

- what makes a good Instagram photo versus a bad Instagram photo

- quick styling techniques when you're in public

- how to use Instagram to grow your blog or business

- the power of hashtags, well, the right hashtags

SNAP CLASS! ADVANCED // MAKING PHOTOGRAPHY YOUR BUSINESS

los angeles - saturday, january 12th 

san francisco - saturday, february 2nd

HERE'S THE BREAKDOWN:

- how to break into the industry

- how to create content that "sells"

- creating a brand

- let's go over contracts & invoicing

- the right pricing, how to get paid & negotiate with your clients

- perfecting your skill

- directing techniques

- creating work you feel passionate about

- advanced post-processing skills, using Photoshop, VSCO & Alien Skin

- mini portfolio reviews 

- how to use Instagram to promote your photography business

- a photo session with Jessie and Kimberly

- a guest speaker, hand chosen by us, will help inspire and give advice

If you have any questions, email us at wearesnapclass@gmail.com

WARBY WINTER | SWEET THING

Warby Parker's new winter collection is out this week and to celebrate, I am guest curating a Pinterest board with two of my favorite frames from the collection as inspiration. If your looking for some wintery imagery, go check out my board. I'll be pinning images all through out the week. 

LATELY

The last few weeks have been packed with photo shoots, birthdays and exciting new work ventures. I like being busy this time of year. The overcast mornings and cooler temps make it a little harder to get out of bed in the morning, but I've been forcing myself to wake up early and take a little time to enjoy my coffee before my work day officially begins. This weekend, my friend Jacqui and I decided to take a short trip to Yosemite. We both are dying to see some changing leaves and have a chance to wear a scarf. It's supposed to be over 80 degrees in LA, so I feel like we are getting out of town at just the perfect time. I'm sure there will be lots of photo opportunities, so follow me on instagram for a peak at my trip. In the meantime, here is a little look at my life of late and a few of the sweet things making me smile...

LO & SONS GIVEAWAY

I mentioned last week that Lo & Sons was kind enough to send me two bags for my travels; the Claremont Crossbody, which is a camera bag and The Catalina, which is a canvas weekender. In New York, I didn't leave the house without the Claremont. It looks small and stylish like a purse, but was protecting my camera and I even fit my wallet as well. The Catalina is very versatile; I used it as a carryon while flying and also as a beach bag in Martha's Vineyard. It has a really useful compartment on the bottom for shoes or even a beach towel. A lucky Sweet Thing reader will win a Lo & Sons bag of your choice. All you have to do is take a look at the Lo & Sons website and leave a comment below with your favorite bag (and color). A winner will be chosen at random next Tue. October 15th. This giveaway is open to US residents only. Good luck! 

*Also for the month of October all Sweet Thing readers will get %15 off sitewide with code 

SWEETTHINGOCT2013

**************************THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED***************************

The winner is Kaity!! Congrats, I know you'll love your Catalina as much as I do!

SNAPSHOTS FROM NEW YORK

Since I was already flying through New York to get to Martha's Vineyard, I figured I might as well make a trip out of it and hang out in my favorite city (other than LA of course). I got to visit with my dear friend Teissia and my sister Merry, eat at some amazing restaurants, meet up with some old friends and new, be in a St. Lucia music video and even got a little work done as well. It was some of the most fun I've had in a very long time. Actually it has me craving a trip back there very soon. 

Some notable stops on this trip:

Maison Premiere

ABC Kitchen

Bakeri

Jack's Wife Freda

Reynards

Cafe Select

Bluebird Coffee Shop

Lennox Coffee

Gasoline Alley Coffee

The Butcher's Daughter

Marlow and Sons

Roberta's

One of my favorite parts of the trip was getting to catch up with a blog buddy @aboyce18 and meet some of my instagram/blog friend's in person, @emily__johnston, @nicole_franzen and @aguynamedpatrick. Sometimes the internet is just awesome. 

Check out the St. Lucia music video I was part of. I'm in it a couple times!

SNAPSHOTS FROM MARTHA'S VINEYEARD

I know this post is a long time coming. I can hardly believe it has been almost a month since I've returned from my favorite island. I went in July with two of my best friends and lucky me, I got to go back in September for an old friends wedding and my birthday. These photos are a mixture of both trips. July and September are night and day in Martha's Vineyard. In July the island is packed, the weather is beautiful and sunny. You spend your days at the beach or on a boat. It is right out of your summer fantasy. September is very quiet and romantic. The island feels practically deserted, it's chillier and covered in fog. Leaving the gorgeous autumnal weather of Martha's Vineyard to come back to 90 degree LA was somewhat depressing I must say. I think I leave a little piece of my heart there every time I leave. 

Lo & Sons was kind enough to send me two bags for my travels; a camera bag and the weekender (pictured above). They were both wonderful accompaniments to my travels and I am excited that next week I will be giving away a Lo & Sons bag of your choosing. So check back next week for more Snapshots (this time from New York City) and a giveaway! 

AIRBNB PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP // HELLO LA

Airbnb is hosting five days of events called Hello LA, starting this friday at some of LA's coolest locations. There will be pop up housing designed by celebrities and tastemakers, parties, concerts and even workshops. They have asked Kimberly Genevieve and I to host a 90 minute photography workshop in the Arts District and the best part, it's FREE!! Just sign up here. We will be teaching 5 tricks to improve your photos, whether they're taken on your DSLR or iPhone. I promise it is going to be ridiculously fun and to top it all off there will be Handsome Coffee baristas and delicious snacks on hand. I hope to see you there! 

WHAT: HELLO LA MAKERS CRAFT WORKSHOP
Photography with Jessie Webster & Kimberly Genevieve
5 Tricks to Improve Your Photos

WHEN: Monday September 30th, 1-2:30pm

WHERE: Arts District. East 3rd Street Los Angeles, California 90013
LINKS:Photography Workshop Sign Up PageAirbnb Hello LA Info Page

LATELY

The last few weeks have been a dream. I got to work and spend time with friends and family in New York City and attend an old friend's wedding in Martha's Vineyard. Both two of my favorite places on the planet. New York makes me feel alive, energized and strangely at home. Martha's Vineyard makes me feel peaceful, contemplative and overwhelmed (in a good way) with it's beauty. I got to see many old friends in my travels and meet new kindred spirits. I must say, It's been hard coming back to LA after such a wonderful trip. An overflowing inbox and piling up work was waiting for me upon my return; and of course brought me right back to reality. But that's life. The other day I was thinking how even if I didn't make money doing what I do, I would still do it; because for me photography is part of me. I can't not do it. So even when I am begrudgingly glued to my computer for days, responding to emails and editing photos, it's still exactly what I want to be doing. Well...almost. Here is a little look at my life of late and a few of the sweet things making me smile... 

NEW WORK // A SUNNY AFTERNOON

Here are some recent shots I did for Sarah Sherman Samuel's new line of artisanal goods A Sunny Afternoon Co. This was a fun one, because not only do I adore Sarah, but I got to shoot this in my hometown of Ojai and I absolutely love each and every piece in her collection.