ReMoved...

I came across this video this morning on Facebook and feel that it is so very powerful and speaks directly to me and the reasons I was put upon this earth. My husband and I are working our way through the LA Foster Care process with hopes to help those children who need a safe place to live and love. As I am full of anxiety of the unknown future we have I am so strong in believing that I can make a difference in this world. Please share this video and pray for these young children and their families and for us that we can stay strong in the face of the unknown.

Written, Produced and Directed by Nathanael & Christina Matanick

Where there is love there is life

Mahatma Gandhi said it best. Where there is love there is life and I am so very proud to show off my latest compilation of images of a beautiful mother-to-be.

I met Krista many moons ago, we were heading to Las Vegas for a week long job and I was the new little one in the group. I had a horrible car accident the night before the flight and was not in great shape. I was also fighting with my then-boyfriend which made me a ball of emotions. Everyone remembers me, the young model sitting alone in the crowded airport with tears in her eyes. I was overwhelmed and felt isolated but they tried to welcome me in. Needless to say that was the beginning of many amazing friendships, hers included, and many trips to Las Vegas, San Francisco, New Orleans, Chicago, Minneapolis, Miami, New York and so on during our glamourous lives as models.

Time went by and I got married, had my children and left the glamour, lights and runways of the modeling scene and headed towards where I am today. Krista moved on as well with her devoted fiancé Dan and their life in OC. We don't see each other often but we get to keep up via Facebook, thank goodness for that!!!!

When she contacted me to capture her baby belly I was so excited. She was always my "girl crush" and I couldn't get over that she wanted me to shoot her at this amazing time in her life. We discussed ideas and settled on a date. Than we made magic.

Dan and Krista I am so very excited for you and this journey to becoming a family of three. Take each day slow and calm and cherish every moment together. 

Mom in Mumbai #TBT

During our family vacation last summer we traveled many miles through India eating everywhere we stopped. Indian food is by far my favorite food, I can eat it pretty much every day and when my mother-in-law visits us from Napa it is all I eat.

Our final two weeks were spent in Mumbai, home to my husband's family and 

home to the most amazing food and vegetable stands I had seen. 

I kept asking errr begging my mother-in-law to take me to the market so we could capture some shots for her new cookbook she had been working on. It is complete and expected to be out in early Fall, I'll keep everyone posted. She is also a Chopped winner, just in case you wanted to know that.

On our final day in Mumbai, and I mean final day, we lugged ourselves over to the Pali Hill Market. It was 9000 degrees at 10am and so muggy my camera and lenses kept fogging up but we with stood the uncomfortable climate and shot some cute images of her grabbing what was to be our lunch for the day.

In India the head of the house or their servants go marketing every morning. They don't freeze chickens and refrigerate produce like we do, they buy only what is needed and use it that very day. My kids, hubby and I all lost a total of 30 lbs. while we traveled through this majestic country and I give all the credit to the fresh food we ate daily. And we ate a LOT of food daily. I'd say I miss it but I've become quite a good Indian Chef over the years. Maybe that's what I'll be when I grow up, a gourmet Indian Chef…..until then you get to enjoy my photography:)

The ever fabulous and always beautiful Neela Paniz

There is no Monsanto in India and there really isn't an "Organic" movement as everything is grown locally.

Doesn't it all look soooo yummy.

She's thinking "Hmmm Okra, Ghia, or Toori for lunch? I always vote for Ghia, it's my absolute favorite, she'll vouch for that.

 I love Indian Boys, haha I married one but they always seem to find me. I think they are absolutely adorable. This kid stopped in front of my lens and did a few poses, then they all giggled away.

They truly are a happy people full of family, love, food and laughter.

For those of you interested in learning how to cook Indian Food check out my Mom's old cookbook The Bombay Cafe Cookbook.

You can purchase it here  and here

and if you are looking for an Indian grocery in LA this is where we shop. India Spices and Groceries

The new cookbook will be released in late 2014. Stay Tuned!!!!!

Happy Eating:)

Young Love….Happy Valentine's Day

Looking back on my last year I get to relive some amazing and fun shoots I've had with some pretty special clients. Cory and Annaleis were one of those special couples so deep in love they couldn't keep it hidden.

Their love showed in each stolen glance, each touch and every breathe. I am sure they are so

happily devoted to one another and continue to be happy in love.

Happy 2nd Birthday Eden

"Turning two must be easy to do,

I just blinked my eyes, and it happened to you.

Seems like the days just go speeding right by,

Why you'll probably turn three in the wink of an eye.

So let's take time to celebrate your birthday today,

And cherish this moment before it slips fast away."

Happy Birthday Eden and you too Amber!!!!!