Bobcat Video Experiment

I started a new job at the beginning of August - I'm a photographer at a local studio. Senior portraits are a huge leap from landscapes and wildlife. Photographing people has its challenges, but I'm enjoying the experience. It's fun, and there's always something new to learn.

I've recently ventured into video. One lesson learned (the hard way): Tripods are essential. I didn't realize I had such shaky hands, lol. I did manage to capture a mother cat and her kitten. They regularly visit our backyard. We believe the mom is some type of bobcat and/or wildcat mix (her face/markings are quite interesting). Anyway, I hope you enjoy the video - she and her kitten are adorable!

California Love: Coachella Valley (Continued)

Okay, here's the desert mountains (as promised). I loved those clear blue skies! Many view deserts as desolate and isolated - Coachella doesn't fall under either category. Besides its famous music festival, it is home to spa retreats, film festivals, scenic nature trails, and plenty of shopping. 

California Love: Griffith Park

I stayed right down the road from Griffith Park. I spent the better part of an evening photographing the scenery. I only saw a fraction of it - I didn't realize how expansive it was. Griffith Park is home to the famous Hollywood sign, the LA Zoo, the Greek Theatre, a Bird Sanctuary, and the Griffith Observatory. Looks like I have plenty to check out next time!

The park offers hiking trails, and gorgeous mountain views. The sunset isn't bad, either. I managed to sneak in a few photos as the sun went down.

California Love: Coachella Valley

I'm enjoying my time out here in California. Yesterday my friend and I hit up Wet n Wild water park out in the desert (close to Palm Springs). I'm still in awe of the desert (native Floridian here - naturally we don't see too many of them, lol). Wet n Wild was lots of fun - my naturally pale skin now has a bit of color (don't worry - I wore sunblock). Anyway, I took a few photos from the passenger seat on the way home.

I was intrigued by the windmills and barren landscape. It's interesting, the things you learn while travelling. Apparently, the windmills provide energy for all of Southern California. Next up: Beautiful desert mountains!

Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Moisturiser

I'd been curious about Neutrogena's new line of anti-ageing products for quite some time now. The products boast "Accelerated" Retinol SA: This is an effective combination of Retinol SA, Glucose Complex, and Hyaluronic Acid.

I purchased the Rapid Tone Repair Moisturiser. In addition to the accelerated Retinol SA forumula, it contains Vitamin C. Unlike many products, its Vitamin C is potent enough to be effective. (Tip: "Ascorbic Acid" should be listed among the ingredients).

I've used this product for nearly a month - I'm pleasantly surprised by the results! My skin is more smooth, balanced, and a bit "glow-y" (I know, I know, so cliché). It even gave my pale complexion a healthy flush, and diminished acne scars. Rapid Tone Repair absorbs quickly & won't dry you out (Hyaluronic Acid is great for hydrating skin). That said, I find it more effective when I use it every other day (as opposed to every day). Overall, this is a great moisturiser & exfoliator - I'm a big fan of multi-tasking products. It should fit into just about any skin care routine.

Los Angeles

Summer is (almost) here! I just confirmed my travel plans for this year. I'm heading to Los Angeles for 10 days to visit a good friend. I plan on attending a few networking events, & taking a fashion design illustration class while I'm out there.

My friend & I were debating hitting up Las Vegas, Santa Monica, or San Diego. Any recommendations? I've never been to LA before - any places/events I should see while I'm there? I'll be there around the middle of June. Also, it'll be my first time flying (yes I'm serious, lol. Any time I've travelled, it's been by train or car).

Derma e Product Review: Vitamin A Retinyl Palmitate Creme

For all the beauty junkies out there: It takes lots of money, trial, & error to find something that works for you. Not to mention, everyone's skin is unique - what works on one person may not work on another. Product reviews/testimonials have been extremely helpful for me. This is why I'm doing a series of product reviews myself.

I'm a big stickler for ingredients. (Seriously, you should see my friends laugh at me inspecting each product at the store, lol). I'm also big on anti-ageing: It's easier to prevent problems than to treat them. Key ingredients for antiaging products are Retinol (Vitamin A), Alpha Hydroxy Acids (such as Glycolic Acid), Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Vitamin E.

Derma e Vitamin A Retinyl Palmitate Crème contains several key ingredients. Besides the advertised Vitamin A derivative, it lists Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Glycerin, and Panthenol (Provitamin B5) among its ingredients. It also contains a number of moisturising oils derived from all-natural sources: Safflower Seeds, Avocados, Sesame Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Soybeans, and Cedar wood.

I've only recently begun using this as an overnight cream. I can already see the difference in my skin - it's more smooth and even. It completely smoothed out my nasolabial lines (granted, they were slight to begin with). It also helped "fill out" my acne scars, making them much less noticeable. This product wasn't overly drying like other Retinol derivatives I've used - this could be due to the Vitamin E and other moisturising oils in the mix.

The only downside: Jar packaging. Air-exposure can weaken ingredients, causing them to lose effectiveness over time. Overall though, I highly recommend this product. It has kept my skin looking fresh and smooth.