Someone Like You

Adele's newest music video was released last night. Music videos are rare for this fine lady so this is a happy day! Take a moment to watch it. It's beautifully made.

Wandering around the streets of Paris... if only life could be switched to black and white, right? I'm all about color, but black and white just has such a wonderful effect on me.

*amber*

Lotus Blossom: Part 1

A few weekends ago, I did a little styled photoshoot with my sister for a project we're working on. (More about that later.) We headed out to the Lotus Hare Krishna temple in Spanish Fork. When we found it, I was so surprised. It's in the middle of nowhere! But the setting was gorgeous and we had a great time. And my sister has turned into such the little model! 

{hahaha... she's so funny}

Wow, isn't she so pretty?! I can't decide which my favorites are! Sorry for the picture overload.

More probably coming soon... 

*amber*

Hair Dilema

Dear friends, I need help.

When I am really busy with school or work, I always find myself craving creativity and change. Taking small opportunities to rearrange furniture or do any project is very therapeutic for me. 

Lately, I have been wanting to get creative with my hair. I'm still working on growing it out, and not loving the length right now, so I've been wanting to make some sort of change to make things more interesting. Then, the other day, I had an idea.

As you will see in the photo above, I have natural highlights in my hair that are reddish/blondish, especially in the sun.

The ombre style appeared last year, and honestly, I hated the obvious transition from brunette to blonde. More recently, I've seen more subtle ombre treatments, and I really like it. I think the ombre adds just a little bit of interest without looking too contrived.

So here's my thought, what if I transitioned from my natural color to the subtle color of my natural highlights in the ends? I'm torn. I've never colored my hair, and part of me just really doesn't want to get into the money and upkeep. But I love this look! Here are some photos to give you an idea what I'm talking about.

I think I'll have to sit on this idea for awhile and see if it sticks. If I'm over it in a few weeks, I'll be glad I didn't. But what if I don't get over it?? I need your input! Is it a good look, and do you think it can still look natural? Should I go for it?!

*amber*

驚き Surprise! 驚き

Friday, I threw a little surprise party for my awesome husband. He served a 2 year mission for our church in Sapporo Japan. He loves Japan, and I do too. At least in theory. And in food. We would love to visit someday, but I decided to bring a bit a Japan to our house for his birthday.

Seth loves sakura (cherry blossoms) and cranes. So they became the main decor elements.

On the menu:

• Japanese Curry
• Oriental Ramen Salad
• Gyoza
• Mixed Melon (Seth always raves about the AMAZING melon he ate in Japan)
• Edamame with Sea Salt
• Senbei Rice Crackers
• Chocolate Drizzled Strawberries
• Mochi
• Homemade Pocky Sticks
• Strawberry Cream Filled Cupcakes
• Key Lime Coconut Filled Birthday Cake
• Sushi Cake Bites
• Strawberry Fanta (one of Seth's favorites; they have a lot of cool flavors of Fanta in Japan)
• Party Favors: Takeout Boxes filled with Hi-Chews and other candy

 {birthday cake with piped sakura: my first time working with fondant... interesting experience}

{sushi cake bites: key lime cake dipped in white chocolate and coconut, wrapped in fruit roll ups, and topped with fish molded out of starbursts and strawberry boba fish eggs}

 {mmm...}

{red anemone with japanese teapot from japantown, san francisco}

{favor boxes}

 {homemade pocky: plain breadsticks dipped in semisweet chocolate}

 {i bought these porcelain japanese soup spoons online, and i love them for serving single bite appetizers and sweets}

 {mochi: a japanese cake made from pounded rice}

 {clockwise from top: toro: tuna, sake: salmon, ikura: salmon roe, tai: snapper, ebi: shrimp}

Yummm... I'm still drooling. And luckily, Seth was surprised!

Thank you to everyone who came and made it a special night for the most deserving man I know.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

 *amber*

Beautiful Bump

{via}

Dear blog,

Please remind me to dress like this someday when I am pregnant. Effortlessly chic. And that skirt looks ridiculously comfortable. None of those "trying-so-hard-to-be-sensual-maternity" photos please.

That's all.

*amber*