spring in Chico

I recently made a trip to my old alma mater, and couldn't help but be inspired by the gorgeousness that is spring in Chico. How romantic?!

daily night cap.

I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.

~Thomas Jefferson

photography by: JoseVilla

what would you do with more time: part 2

sketch.

I've always wanted to design wedding gowns, and I used to sketch a ton. it's definetely on the list of things i want to accomplish in my life. And..one day, I really hope to own a signed sketch of a Vera Wang wedding gown.

sigh.

what would you do with more time: part 1

baking.

I used to cook and bake a ton, especially when I had weekend mornings free. this apron from Anthro, and these muffins baked by Emily of CupcakesandCashmere, of course don't help the catholic guilt from stirring its ugly head.

sigh.

what would you do with more time?

I happily awoke from a great nights sleep, to a postcard on the bathroom sink reminding me (from a conversation I had 2 weeks ago) that the power would be out for the entire morning. All this, before coffee. ugg. Determined to have a positive attitude, and without a real choice of alternative options, I sat down to start reading the 10th anniversary edition of Real Simple that I've been putting off  to read due to lack of ME time.

How ironic, then, that the entire issue is about time (getting more of it, and using it more wisely). Even though I started reading the magazine thinking about all the things I needed to be doing but couldn't, I ended the power outage wishing I had more un-interrupted time. And although I'm working on a ton of projects today, I've decided to continue the ME time trend & take a few shorts breaks to share with you some of the other things I wish I could be doing if my power was still out. Similarly, I'm curious what YOU would do with more time. So I pose a question: If your power went out, and your phone went dead, how would you choose to spend an hour for yourself? Leave a comment, and I may just feature your idea in a future post.

daily night cap. a new blog ritual.

I have an evening ritual that involves reading some inspirational words, and reflecting on the day I've just experienced. For me, it's a time to remember where I've been, and to make sure I'm staying focused on the life I want to lead. I've decided share this nightly reflection with you all, in a new feature on Stellina*Stellina: the Daily Night Cap. Hope you enjoy it!

The grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, & something to hope for.

~Allan K. Chalmers

Photo by Belathee Photography

behind-the-scenes on my first photoshoot (outakes)

Buckets, buckets & buckets of flowers! We picked these up the day before, and they practically filled the entire back of the Uhaul van.

The shoot took place at the Stow House in Santa Barbara, and this was in the inside-front parlor. Here, Kirsten Ellis' assistant of Beaux Arts is helping stage the couple.

The rain showing its strength. Pools of water were starting to weight down the tarp.

Posing by the truck (I made her do this!)

Styling some plants.

Taking a break. This picture was mid-smile, and not mid-meltdown like it looks.

Putting the finishing touches on lighting. I think everyone was wondering if they rain would start-up again. Plus, it was freezing (our poor models were freezing!!!)

All that was left at the end of a great day! Be sure to check out all the real photographs from the shoot on Santa Barbara Chic and Once Wed. Thanks to Kelly and all our vendors for such an amazing day...looking forward to the next one!