Adventures of Yoo

May 12 2016

In Search of the Perfect Camera Bag

I’ve been on the lookout for the perfect camera bag for awhile now. Something in leather, something timeless. Well, I think I’ve found it! Though it’s a little pricey at $439, I see at as an investment. I’ll probably pick one up once I really feel like I’m a true professional. In any case, the website Tools & Toys has given a thorough review of the product.

As it states: “Due to its average size and the convenience of its messenger-style design, the Brixton is one of ONA’s most popular products. There’s certainly much to love about this amazing bag: it has a classic, timeless look that will never go out of style, and more than enough space to carry everything you’re likely to need on a regular basis, including your laptop.

Could this actually turn out to be the perfect bag? Let’s find out.”

You can read the whole review on their site.

I like how the bag will look even better as it ages, how it doesn’t really look like a camera bag, and how the logo is on the inside. Though it looks a little bit on the heavy side, I think it’s a trade-off for the high quality leather.

(As you can see, I’m sold.)

Travel

May 12 2016

Enjoying Sunset at Our Favorite Family Beach

A few days ago, Sam and I took the boys to one of the beaches we frequent the most, San Clemente Beach. The beach is unique because a train runs right next to it, so every so often, we’ll all stop and watch as it passes by. Of course, the boys get ecstatic at the sight of any train, let alone one that’s in full motion. I brought out our colorful beach blankets though no one really sat on them except for Parker to take the picture above. At this age, the kids really don’t like swimming in the water, so mostly, we visit to play in the sand and watch the sunset.

We brought a bunch of toys from the house, Parker gravitated toward the dump trucks.

Logan didn’t care much for the toys, he just wanted to climb on top of the big rocks.

Speaking of rocks, Sammy was channeling his inner Michael Grab to make this balancing stack.

We brought take-out, nachos and tacos from a Hapa J’s, and enjoyed dinner while watching the sunset. The nachos at Hapa J’s are huge, they’re topped with Kahlua pulled pork which made for a mighty big dish. (We couldn’t finish it.)

Here’s the three boys waving to the train as it passed by.

Logan was a busy little man, running around on the beach.

Overall, it was a fun evening. The beach is just gorgeous at sunset.

For those in Southern California, I’d highly recommend this beach because it’s never that crowded (like Newport Beach) and, if you have kids, they really get a kick out of the train. (Maybe next time we’ll even try walking on the San Clemente Beach Trail.) I like what one Yelper wrote about the beach, “Though it may suffer from erosion, the sand is half large rocks, and the public restrooms aren’t as well maintained as some other locales, this place has serious character. Take a moment to drink in the view from the public parking deck, which is pretty cheap. Breathtaking. This beach always has a refreshing breeze. The break is solid. The town is chill. Not as gritty as Venice, not as uptight as Manhattan, not as pristine teen dream as Laguna, the perfect sweet spot right in the middle.”

Photography

May 11 2016

Drone Wedding Photos Show Couples Completely and Beautifully Alone

I just can’t get enough of minimalist photos that have lots of negative space. That must be the reason I’m so drawn to these drone photos by Tahiti-based photographer Helene Havard. “They are together but alone,” she says. As a couple hold hands in the infinite blue sea or lays side by side next to an endless array of palm trees, you get the feeling that at that particular moment, nothing else matters but being together. It’s as if they are the last two people on Earth and they’re enjoying the total and complete solitude.

Havard works in collaboration with Flying World Pictures to capture these breathtaking shots. She instructs the drone operator from the ground. Couples look like, as Feature Shoot put it, “conjoined specks dotting the topography below.” Having spent my own honeymoon in Tahiti, I’m particularly fond of these photos. They take me back to a place I’ll never forget, the turquoise waters are really that blue and the overwater bungalows really are that amazing. It’s like experiencing a completely different world.

Helene Havard’s website
via [Feature Shoot]

Art & Design

May 11 2016

Impressive Etch A Sketch of Georges Seurat’s Iconic Pointillist Painting

Talk about some mad Etch A Sketch skills! One of the most iconic paintings of all time, Georges Seurat’s 1884 painting, “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte,” was just recreated by artist Jane Labowitch not with a pen or pencil but with an Etch A Sketch. Sitting in front of the actual painting at The Art Institute of Chicago, it took the artist eight hours spread over four days to make the beautiful waterfront scene.

She told the Chicagoist that this isn’t the first time she’s used Etch A Sketch for art. “I’ve been pretty consistently using an Etch A Sketch as an artistic medium since I first started playing with the toy when I was four,” she said.

The artist holds a BFA in Illustration from Chicago’s American Academy of Art and works as a professional illustrator. She initially planned to recreate the painting using a digital image but then heard that the painting would be temporarily moved to a wall facing a well-placed bench. This led her to deciding to Etch A Sketch in person. Passersby noticed. “I met people from all over the world who had stories to share about how they had an Etch A Sketch when they were a kid, too.”

What’s next? Labowitch plans on recreating another Art Institute treasure, Marc Chagall’s “America Windows.” Can’t wait to see more.

If you’d like to learn more about Georges Seurat’s famous painting, Mental Floss has an interesting article that lists 15 things you may not know about it.

Update: We got in touch with the artist to ask her a few questions.

How has the response been to your Seurat Etch A Sketch?

The response to my Seurat Etch A Sketch has been explosive! It’s blown me away. So far I have been interviewed for CBS Chicago radio and a few online news articles. I was in the RedEye today. Tomorrow I am going to be on NPR and I will be on Fox 32 news on Sunday morning! On Monday I am going to be on WGN radio. It’s been a whirlwind media circuit and I am so so grateful that my art is being so well-received!

What’s the secret to creating such detailed Etch A Sketches?

The secret to creating such detailed Etch A Sketch art is patience! It is important to take your time to make sure that you don’t misjudge proportions. I spent arguably as much time staring at the painting as I did rendering it on my Etch A Sketch, to make sure that I wasn’t missing any important details.

What’s the biggest challenge in creating these?

The biggest challenge is making sure that everything stays proportional, meaning that nothing is too big or far apart from other things in relation to it. This is difficult to do, because there is no way to map out or sketch the final drawing before you begin. The fact that everything is all connected with one line adds an interesting challenge, too, because you have to come up with creative ways to make everything connect without it being distracting.

Do you have any plans to create Van Gogh’s Starry Night?

I actually have made Van Gogh’s Starry Night, on a pocket (small) Etch A Sketch! Here’s a link to it. I gave it to my mom for Christmas in 2014, as it is one of her favorite paintings, and I have never given her an original Etch A Sketch rendition of mine before. I would love to re-visit Starry Night on the classic (large) Etch A Sketch, though! It’s one of my all-time favorite paintings.

You can follow Labowitch’s work on Facebook where she goes by the name Princess Etch A Sketch.
via [Chicagoist]
First image, photoshopped by MagnuPI on Reddit

Style

May 10 2016

The Most Comfortable Cardigan in the World

If you’re like me, you’re always cold. You constantly keep your eyes peeled for a nice, warm cardigan. This past weekend, for Mother’s Day, my older sister, Grace, bought me and my other sister, Carol, these super soft black cardigans and I just had to share the news. They have got to be the most comfortable cardigans in the world! Though she bought them at Nordstorms, you can also order this cardigan either on the company’s website or on Amazon. It’s called The Bamboo Chic Lite Calypso Wrap by Barefoot Dreams and it comes in a variety of colors. (We received midnight colored ones, but I’m eyeing the ombre pearl/pewter and pearl ones, too).

The cardigan feels like someone is giving you a warm hug. The fabric feels like it belongs on a blanket. It’s not too thick or heavy. It comes in only two sizes S/M=4-10 and L/XL=12-16. I run a 10-12 but the S/M fits me perfectly (though it’s a little snug in the arms). I plan on wearing this every day. It’s that comfortable!

If you don’t trust me, read the reviews on any of the three websites. As one person wrote: “If I could have it my way, I would own this wrap in every color available on Barefoot Dreams site as well as the Nordstrom exclusive colors (burgundy and emerald for this winter 2015 season). It is soft and cozy, making it perfect for lounging around the house. The waterfall draping and length also makes any outfit look a tad dressed up, therefore making it a staple piece in any wardrobe. You won’t be disappointed!”

Full disclosure: I was not paid for this endorsement. I just really love this cardigan!

Art & Design

May 9 2016

Papier-Mâché Sculptures Act as Elegant Lamps

Artist team Sophie Mouton-Perrat and Frédéric Guibrunet have each worked with paper for over a decade, but in different ways. When they first met in 2007, they decided to combine their skills in paper making together to create ethereal paper sculptures that light up like lamps. Mouton-Perrat attended art school where she learned about paper and how to create papier-mâché. Guibrunet graduated with a degree in chemistry and, in contrast, is self-taught in paper-making. Just a year after they met, they were creating unique light sculptures, while Guibrunet developed the lower parts, Mouton-Perrat shaped the top, figurative parts. How amazing would it be to see these in person?

Papier a etres website
via [Patina & Hue]

Life

May 9 2016

How We Celebrated Mother’s Day

This year, my sister, Grace, pulled out all the stops for Mother’s Day. She picked up delectable desserts at Bottega Louie, fresh strawberries at Tanaka Farms, beautiful pink peonies at Trader Joes and then hit up multiple markets to create a whole, handmade feast. On the menu was fried chicken, salmon, three salads, a breakfast quiche and more. Best of all, I got to celebrate Mother’s Day with my two best friends, my sisters Grace and Carol, along with Grace’s good friend Anne and her daughter. After our early dinner, the kids had a blast playing outside. Here are some pictures from yesterday’s festivities.

The spread. My sister really outdid herself. The food was delicious!

Here’s my sister Grace cooking up a storm.

The fried chicken being prepared.

All of the desserts, which included mini cakes topped with macarons, were from Bottega Louie.

My brother-in-law Keith is re-doing his whole backyard. Here Sam and Keith are looking at how much he’s completed.

My niece, Berry, is a pro at rollerblading.

Berry and Logan looking up in the sky at an airplane passing by.

My nephew, River, was checking out Parker’s bike. Think he wants one, too.

My oldest nephew, Evan, is trying out an electric scooter. (Secretly, I want one, too.)

Parker was eager to try out his cousin, Bobby’s, skateboard. One day, I’ll learn to ride one, too! (It’s on my bucket list.)

The older boys played hockey on the street.

The kids used blankets and stuffed animals to build a fort. It was quite impressive. Logan had a fun time playing in it.

Peek-a-boo Logan, I see you!

Parker checking out one of Bobby’s cool toys.

After all that outside play, the kids got to spend a little downtime on their iPads.

Soon, my niece, Berry was back outside rollerblading around the neighborhood.

My nephew, River, looked through the bars on the upstairs deck. Looks like he wants to join Berry outside.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mama’s out there!

Life

May 6 2016

Life Unfolding: Top 10 Moments of the Week

Hope you had a good week! Parker developed a stomach bug so we’ve all been having some rough nights of sleep. We even had to go to the ER one early morning. I’m hoping it’s just growing pains or something temporary, we’re getting a bunch of tests done right now. It all has me worried but the kid is overall healthy and resilient so I think he’ll get through it.

Now let’s dive into this past week’s most interesting moments.

Above: The ice cream truck made a stop in our neighborhood and the kids rushed to grab their favorite treats. Our kind neighbor paid for all the kids’ ice creams. Love my neighborhood.

Logan is obsessed with his dad. I call him “elusive” because he won’t give affection to just anyone. Here he is giving Sammy a rare kiss.

Last Friday, we hung out at my in-laws house. The boys love playing in their big backyard. Here’s Logan picking up all the crunchy leaves.

Here’s grandpa watching Logan wander.

It was my nephew, Riverton’s, birthday this past week so we had a small family celebration at my sister’s house. The boy loves everything Thomas.

Here’s my older sister, Grace, at Riverton’s birthday party cleaning the grill…with style.

Parker loves playing hide-and-go-seek with the neighborhood kids. He’s usually the one that has to find the girls.

I captured this headless shot of the girls and Parker around the neighborhood. I don’t like taking pictures of other people’s kids unless they give me explicit rights.

Sam and I went to a new-ish restaurant in Old Town Temecula called The Goat & Vine. They served this beautiful and delicious salad. Loved the ambiance, too. Highly recommend.

Finally, here’s Parker in pain. Poor kid had to get multiple tests done this week to find out just what’s going on in his stomach. I pray he gets better soon.

What are your plans for the upcoming weekend? We have a small Mother’s Day celebration going on at my sister’s house on Sunday. How are you celebrating Mother’s Day?

Note: Due to all the doctor appointments, I won’t be able to put up Fun Links of the Week today. I’ll resume next Friday.

Photography

May 5 2016

Incredible Nature Photos in Nat Geo’s Travel Photographer of the Year Contest 2016

One of my favorite photo competition, The National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest is now well underway, and boy, do they have some spectacular nature entries. Photographers, you still have time to enter, images will be accepted until the end of the month, May 27. As they state, “Enter your most powerful photos for a chance to become the 2016 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year. Show us photos that tell the story of a place or reveal insights about what inspires you when you travel.” The grand prize winner gets to go on an amazing adventure, a seven-day Polar Bear Safari for two in Churchill, Canada. The contest has three general categories: Nature, Cities and People. Courtesy of National Geographic, enjoy these stunning entries under Nature.

Above: Spring in Japan. People love to walk in this blue carpet flowers (Nemophila blue flowers) at Hitachi seaside park in Ibaraki.
Danilo Dungo/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

This image was captured very early in the morning after climbing Yellow Mountain at 3 a.m. and waiting for few hours in the cold and wind at -4 degrees.
Thierry Bornier/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

This kookaburra has the perfect view of Sydney Harbour and the bridge in the background. This is quintessential Sydney and Australia.
Rune Svendsen/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

Cherry blossoms like a Japanese painting. The smoke of the bonfire of old paper charms has brought a fantastic effect.
Katsuyoshi Nakahara/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

Terraces Village in the Mist. Captured this image early morning waiting for one week until I get the right mood of light and fog. Location: Guizhou, China.
Thierry Bornier /National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

A cold night on the top of this hill in Lapland, near the Russian border waiting for the dancing lights in the sky. All around, snow ghost are watching, standstill.
Pierre Destribats/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

Springbok in front of a dune of Namibian desert.
Doris Landertinger/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

This photo is shot shortly after sunrise at mesquite dunes. George Lucas has chosen this location for some scenes of Star Wars. The blue background is not the sky. These are mountains in the distance. Location: Death Valley, California.
Johannes Öhl/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

Last December I sailed to Antarctica on a 54 feet long-haul steel vessel. As we entered the Polar Zone this was one of the first icebergs we saw. Sculpted by the wind and waves, majestic in scale and with a dazzling white colour with layers of deep blue. The sun makes a quick appearance through a hole in the clouds, just in time for this shot.
Massimo Rumi/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

I took this photo in July 2014 at Trollstigen in Norway. Standing there alone in the fog, I was waiting for the view to become clear. And then it happened, the fog disappeared and though it was 1 am already, one car came slowly up the steep serpentines. It was my dream for a long time to take a photo of lighttrails like this in Norway – and it was just an awesome feeling that it worked out on the most beautiful and famous street. A few minutes later the fog returned, even thicker than before.
Christoph Schaarschmidt/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

During a snow storm I decided to head over to Bryce Canyon National Park and enjoy the freshly fallen snow. Visibility was down to almost zero, but then I found this single tree right next to a snow drift and knew this would be my shot.
Yvonne Baur/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

I had heard a lot about how beautiful Uluru should look like when it rains. But I never believed that I would see it with my own eyes because the red center of Australia is a very arid area. That’s one of the reasons why Uluru is such a special place for the Anangu – the local aboriginal clan. If it rains, the water fills up the reservoirs around the rock, the only water source for several kilometers. This makes the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park to special place for lots of rare animals as well.
Christoph Schaarschmidt/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

Amazing supercell produces over the town of Blackhawk, South Dakota back on June 1st 2015. Flash flooding would occur near Rapid City.
James Smart/National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest

Style

May 5 2016

Beautiful Bouquet of Tulips for Mother’s Day

Lately, I’ve been in love with tulips. This upcoming Mother’s Day, I think I’ll drop a hint to my kids (aka husband) that I’ve been eyeing these. I’m particularly in love with this mix of pink and white tulips, called Luxe, by the company Bouqs. Have you heard of them? They make the whole process of buying flowers easy. Sure it takes a little bit of planning on your part (no quick grocery run) but the end result is worth it. If you’re more of the DIY type, check out Bouqs for some bouquet making inspiration.

It’s not too late to get these delivered by Mother’s Day. (If you want something a little more ornate, Mom is Cute! is stunning, too.)

Full disclosure: This is not a sponsored post.

The Bouqs website

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