Balance and Blushington

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Hello readers and HAPPY FRIDAY!!!! I have been waiting all week to say that. Not that this week was particularly stressful but I totally need a weekend to detox and get my life back in order. Traveling is one of my favorite things to do but it really throws you out of your routine, and I.love.routines. I will be taking lots of bloggers pictures this weekend (which I always love doing) and then relaxing (most likely editing) at night. I guess that is one of the beauties and downfalls of this “full-time, freelance, consulting, photographer, I do what I can to make money blogging life.” It never stops. I find the hardest thing is trying to juggle work life, home life, and personal life. I am constantly trying to update social media, thinking about my blog, or worrying about a post. This year I am working on many things but balance is definitely one of them.

Balance: offset or compare the value of (one thing) with another. I have NEVER been good at comparing or offsetting the value of one thing with another. I have a very obsessive personality so when I have a thought in my mind, I can’t let it go. The act of balance is something I have been working on my entire life. Maybe, just maybe, 2014 is the year I finally learn it! Although, highly unlikely as I have been obsessing over getting a new lens for the past two weeks. I mean, day and night, I am looking them up to figure out which one I want, comparing prices, and looking at sample pictures. Call me crazy!

Okay, so this has been a long tangent about things you probably didn’t come to this blog to read but I do have a matter to discuss at hand. I, along with my gal pals, will be hosting a fun event at Blushington Make-up on January 22nd and I would love for all of my Dallas readers to attend. Here is the plan; go ahead and mark your calendars now and rsvp to the e-mail above! This way you know you have something fun to fill your Wed. evening. And to be honest, I am not even sure there are any good reality show on TV Wed. evening so you really don’t have an excuse not to come. 🙂 See you there! xx

 

Be sure not to miss my XNY watch giveaway! Ends January 15th! Entering is super easy!

M.A.S. + XNY Giveaway

Mary Summers -- M.A.S. FASHION-17 Mary Summers -- M.A.S. FASHION-18 Mary Summers -- M.A.S. FASHION-19

I teamed up with XNYWatches to gift one lucky M.A.S. Fashion reader a beautiful watch (valued at $150) from XNY watches. The lucky winner will receive the gold watch I have paired above. It is so delicate which makes it perfect for layering or wearing by itself.  I absolutely loved getting to style it and am so happy for one of you to win as it is such a classic piece!

Enter the giveaway via the Rafflecopter below. The giveaway ends January 15, 2014. Winner will be chosen at random via the use of random.org.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Video II // A Hot Day in December

A few weeks ago it was time to shoot episode II for M.A.S. Video (see episode one). I had the bright idea to use this video to collaborate with other Dallas based fashion bloggers. So, two weeks ago I had an idea, and a vision, but because of the approaching holiday season I had one week to pull it together. I immediately called my girls Molly and Lynsey (who I turn to for solid advice) and they said this was something we had to do. Right after passing the idea by these girls Lynsey called and connected me with Kelle, of the amazing Droese PR. Once the details were finalized (I originally pitched a winter wonderland video but the day of the shoot a heatwave came through and it was 87degrees…typical) it was time to choose locations.

Dallas is full of the most amazing shopping and local eats, which made it a challenge to narrow it down to only a few locations. Having a certain vision in mind I went with Blushington Make-up, Lublu, Five and Ten, and Hotel Zaza/ Dragonfly. After the locations were set I was able to breath a bit easier. I knew the video would have great subjects, because I asked all my closest blogger friends whom I respect and admire, but securing amazing places to shoot made me realize the video was actually going to happen.

The day of the shoot my I was nervous/anxious/nervous/excited. Ummm, did I say I was anxious and nervous? Because I was! I wanted everything to go smoothly and the day to be a success. I met my friends, and fellow Dallas bloggers, Amy of Dallas Wardrobe, Molly of A Piece of Toast, Krystal of Krystal Schlegel, and Lynsey of Law of Fashion at the it spot for make-up application, Blushington. From the receptionist to the actual artist, everyone is so adorable and professional. It really stuck out to me just how talented and passionate they were about their job. I absolutely loved chatting and getting to know my make-up artist.  She was an absolute doll and provided useful information for when I do my own make-up (like how to highlight your bone structure).

After getting our make-up done Amy, Lynsey, and I headed to Lublu to do a quick change (into the most fabulous ensemble that is). Lublu, which means “I love…” in Russin was created by Kira Plastinina, 21. Her beautiful fabrics and tailored silhouettes are making her quite the household name here in Dallas and around the world. Kira, her store, and her designs are so beautiful and truly unique I was beyond excited to share them in the video. She also just collaborated with a Russian designer to make one-of-a-kind head pieces that are to die for! You must check these out if you are in Dallas.

While we filmed at Lublu, Molly and Krystal headed to a local hot spot for all things fashion, Five and Ten. I absolutely love this store. You are sure to find something you need (or want) and will never walk out empty handed (by choice). They have everything from The Row sneakers to J. Brand leather. I mean you really have to try to not find something fabulous. It is THAT amazing.

After our quick change we all met back at Hotel Zaza. From the very beginning they treated us like gold. Passing us Veuve  Clicquot Champagne (a personal favorite) as we walked into the tent and served us signature cocktails throughout shooting. The peppermint martini was by far my favorite. The glass was lined with real peppermint and the drink itself was so yummy I can’t describe it here. You must try one for yourself. Mmm mmm mmmmmm. After shooting we were all exhausted, but ready for our surprise five course meal Hotel Zaza’s restaurant Dragonfly had prepared. They just revamped their menu, which now includes the best pork belly you could dream of, and so many other choices of yumminess! Your biggest problem of the night will be, which was your favorite dish. I mean the food was melting in our mouths. We all kept looking around at each other and saying, “Oh my goshhhhhh! This one has to be my favorite.” It just got better and better (if that was even possible).

With fully bellies and happy hearts our day of shooting was complete. I hope you all like our final product as it was a labor of love.

special thanks to everyone who helped me make this possible; Adam Salazar Videography, Droese PR, Blushington Make-up Dallas, Five and Ten, Lublu, Hotel Zaza / Dragonfly, and all my girls, Molly, Lynsey, Krystal, and Amy!

For future videos be sure to connect to my NEW youtube channel

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