The Huntington Library- San Marino, CA

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The Huntington Library is a hidden gem in San Marino, CA.  If you have never been, the Desert Garden alone is a must see.  Your visit definitely does not need to be an all day event; however, there are some great picnic spots and places to hang out and relax.  My advice, do not op for the Rose Tea Garden.  It sounds like a perfect idea but the price coupled with the food and cramped space is not worth it.  If anything, spend time walking outside and visiting the galleries.  There is the infamous Blue Boy by Thomas Gainsborough and also now, Pinkie by Thomas Lawrence.  You can try to get free tickets for the first Thursday of the month or just find a date that fits your schedule the best.

Anyways, here are some of my favorite pictures from the Huntington Library.  Doesn't the scenery remind you of Jurassic Park?? 

I used a new online photo editor this time around. Not a huge fan.. but I wanted to give it a try 

Color Show

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PHOTO TIP NO. 4

Don't Judge A Location By It's Environment This is like the saying "don't judge a book by it's cover"....same concept. You can certainly find a gem of a location in the roughest looking building, if you look for it. I used to drive around and wait for that "perfect" location to jump out at me, but I've learned to see past the obvious after a few of my favorite images came from a location that I took a chance on and looked to find the "interesting" and "beauty" in it. Choosing a location with diversity is key. Choosing a location truly brings out the inner artists- it's definitely something that can be learned if strengthened and utilized often. When you are looking for locations, keep your eyes peeled for beautiful details. The entire building may not be something you would use, but sometimes you just need a small wall, sign or doorway to create the perfect photo! 

 - A Beautiful Mess

I just love these walls.  Can you believe that one street is filled with so much color?! 

Elizabeth & I walked a normal street in LA, yet we were able to find the most colorful buildings.  We didn't even go to the popular side of town. 

Doesn't that make you think about all the possible hidden gems in your hometown?  

We got ice cream for lunch at MILK , not on purpose, but because we totally forgot about eating a real meal! Instead, we were having too much fun talking & laughing, posing one another and attending open houses. 

We even found Cory, Topanga and Shawn's high school from Boy Meets World. 

At the end of the day we were a little sweaty, but not bad for a Thursday. 

Summer Play Date

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Pool Party for two.  Summer break is definitely a teacher perk.  This afternoon Elizabeth & I went for a swim and relaxed on these cool pretzel & ice cream sandwich floaties. 

Elizabeth also taught me how to make these awesome paper flowers from her class with Handmade By Sarah Kim.  Can you say wedding decorations? We are definitely not experts in paper flower making.. But, if you are interested in learning how to make these flowers, check out Handmade by Sarah Kim's website for class details and other amazing products.  

P.S. Eat Hot Cheetos with chopstivk.  It's one of those things that would just make your snacking life easier.  

Goodnight, sleep well. 

Venice Love

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Norah, Judy & I have been friends for a long time.  We met when they were in 7th grade.  I used to be their jr. high counselor, but now they will be sophomores in college!?! Norah & Judy, thank you for going on random adventures with me.  And thank you for listening to my crazy ideas & letting me take pictures of you. 

Today we ended up in Venice.  Like & enjoy!

Road Trip! Destination: San Francisco

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This weekend I went on a girls only road-trip to San Francisco.  We got ice cream, biked the Golden Gate Bridge, got ice cream again & ended our trip with boba (cause we're Asian girls, and honestly we crave boba every other day).  

Brunch: Mama's on Washington Square
Dinner: Limon Rotisserie 
Ice Cream: Bi- Rite Creamery  & the local Ben & Jerry's 
Boba: Boba Guys