Happy New Year! Xīn Nián Kuài Lè! 新年快乐! Make it a year of family, fortune and luck this Tuesday, February 1st. You will have the chance to celebrate Lunar New Year so go make a reservation at your favorite Asian restaurant to join in on the festivities (my go to is Din Tai Fung) Half the fun of Lunar New Year is reviving all the traditions around the holiday- it’s a time for family and friends to get together to ring in the new year. In this blog post, I will be sharing my Lunar New Year content and photo ideas along with some fun facts. I’m proud to share my culture with you all and gets you inspired to celebrate along with me!
Passing out red envelopes (紅包 / hóngbāo) is a classic tradition. These red envelopes are filled with money and symbolize good wishes and luck for the new year ahead. It’s every kid’s favorite part! For this photo, first have the camera focused on your face while you hold up a red envelope. The envelope should appear blurry giving you this effect. Next, throw around the rest of the red envelope to make it appear that it’s falling from the sky and ta da!
Easiest thing for you to participate in LNY? Wear new clothes, or at least something red. People believe wearing new clothes symbolize a fresh new start and a hopeful beginning. Avoid black and white. In my culture, the color red is associated with energy, happiness and good luck. Put on your favorite red lipstick and try on a traditional qípáo 旗袍, a traditional garment made with embroidered silk featuring a high collar and delicate buttons on the front. It comes in a variety of colors nowadays, but I prefer to stick to the traditional red. P.S The materials can be ordered through Amazon or better yet, head to your local Chinatown and you’ll be sure to get them for a steal!
The history of the Chinese fan dates back to over 3,000 years ago. The feather fan became popular among the aristocracy because it was extremely expensive to produce. Made of bird feathers, it was widely recognized as the symbol of wealth, authority, and wisdom.
I hope you’re hungry! It’s time for dumplings! Dumplings represent wealth because of their close appearance to Chinese gold ingots, which are oval, boat-shaped hunks of gold used as currency in imperial China. Some families will hide a coin in one of the dumplings, and whoever receives that dumpling is believed to have a prosperous year. Customizing my own dumplings is one of my favorite actives! Plus, you can pop them in ziplock bags in the freezer and they can last up to months! Super convenient for when you need a quick meal.
The Taiwanese have used lanterns not only as sources of light or simple paper decoration, but also they symbolize the wish for a bright future. You’ll find lanterns hanging in public spaces, shops, restaurants, and even used as street lights. Hanging lanterns are particularly common during festivals as they are said to bring good luck. During the Spring Festival, red lanterns are meant to scare the monster away.
Fun Fact: The 12 zodiac animals are, in order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each year is related to an animal sign according to a 12-year-cycle. This year, we have the chance to celebrate the Year of the Tiger. According to predictions, if you’re born in the year of the Ox and Goat, you will be the luckiest zodiac signs in the year of 2022. For those born in the years of the Rat, Snake, Monkey, Pig and Dog, you will need to make comparatively more effort in order to make achievements. Rabbit, Dragon, Horse, and Rooster people are destined to enjoy a smooth life and good luck in making money this year.
Ladies!!! Let’s talk PERIODS. When that time of the month comes, do you instantly feel like there’s a cloud over your head? The first thought that pops to my head is UGH again???? It is such a hassle when you constantly run to the bathroom to change your pad and tampon, worry if there’s leaks and generally feel uncomfortable down there! Periods are EXHAUSTING.
I heard so much about menstrual cups, but never had an interest in it for years. The more I read up on it, the more it kinda repulsed me… But something changed and I was in an experimental mood to give menstrual cups a try! So today I’ll be sharing my unfiltered opinion and experience using it.
STORYTIME
Taiwan Feminine Care Section
I’m a huge fan of buying pads in Taiwan. They feel more comfortable and super affordable. About 2 years ago, I stocked up and filled an entire checked luggage with pads to bring back to the states. Well, that stash has lasted me 2.5 years (& the pandemic has prevented me from restocking) so I finally ran out… I was forced to head to my local target to pick some pads and tampons up. I was SO shocked by how expensive feminine sanitary products have gotten. Let’s say you use 3-5 pads a day over a 5 day period, you’re likely to spend $4752 on pads ALONE in a lifetime… and that’s not even the organic prices. Insane!
Did you know our vaginal walls are permeable so pretty much anything we put inside can be absorbed through the mucus membrane, then directly into the bloodstream. The cotton used in tampons/ pads? Guess what? They’re sprayed with pesticides, exposed to glypohsate, an herbicide used to kill weeds that contains carcinogens. Other chemicals included are dioxin and furans (from the chlorine bleaching process), which also links to cancer, disruption in the endocrine system and reproductive toxicity. There’s Toxic Shock Syndrome which is caused by an overgrowth of staph bacteria from using super absorbent tampons for long periods of time. Chronic exposure to these chemicals can increase our risk and disrupt our system contributing to more health issues in the future. So WHY in the world are we buying these products? After doing further research and gaining more knowledge on the reality of this industry, it has deterred me from ever wanting to use cotton products ever again!
Another concern I had was the amount of waste produced every month. Every year, the US alone discards 12 billion pads / 7 billion tampons- this adds up. Tampon applicators are made out of plastic that do not easily degrade and are often found in shorelines. Most women menstruate for 40 years in total= 2,400 days in the course of a lifetime= 6.5 years TOTAL! Imagine how much plastic accumulates over the years and can be found floating out in the ocean harming sea creatures.
Introducing, Organicup! It is an award winning menstrual cup that replaces pads and tampons! FDA registered, medical grade silicon, vegan & allergy certified! No more period undies. No more worrying about the string during summer season in a bikini. No more diapers. One small action can lead to big changes: 1 menstrual cup alone replaces 2 years of period products (528 pads/tampons) SO much better for the planet & yourself!
Some thoughts prior to trying this because I had my doubts & fears. Is it going to hurt? What if it gets stuck? How does it fit inside without moving around? Will I get an allergic reaction? How do I pick one that fits my cervix? After doing my research, I went with Organicup. There are sooo many different kinds of menstrual cups out there and it seemed like the Organicup is less stiff and smaller, which I think fits my body type more and it felt a bit less intimidating to use.
Because the menstrual cup is a vacuum seal and does not come into contact with air there is zero odor, ultra hygienic and antibacterial! Organicup only collects the blood so it eliminates dryness, irritation & keeps the natural pH intact . It can hold 3-5 times the amount of blood as a regular tampon and allows for 12 hour wear. This way you will not have period interruptions at work/school/ travel!
PURCHASEHERE!
Have I convinced you to give this a try? Hip hip hooray! I’ve linked it for you on my Amazon page- under Wellness Section. Click HERE to purchase!!! Plus, Amazon has a very simple return process if it doesn’t end up working out for you.
DIRECTIONS
Watch THIS video to visually understand how Organicup works! I promise it will help!
First step is to disinfect it by boiling it in hot water for 4-5 minutes. Make sure there is enough water in the pot to prevent the cup from burning. Always have clean hands before inserting and after every use, rinse it under hot water. Once your period cycle has ended, boil it again for 4-5 minutes and store it away for the month!
TIPS
In the beginning, it can be difficult to put in, adjust or check to see if it’s sitting correctly. I’ve listed some tips to know before you give this a try! It may take a few period cycles to get the hang of it so I recommend using panty liners in case there’s leaks. When it is inserted correctly, the vacuum seal prevents ANY leaks, but it takes some time to get use to it! Personally, the benefits are out of this world. I don’t see myself going back to pads or tampons ever again!
RELAX: when you are relaxed, the muscles are relaxed and that allows for easier insertion, placement, adjustments.
FOLDING TECHNIQUES: There are many ways to fold the cup that fits your body the best- Punch Down Fold, C fold, 7 fold . Watch this informative video on all the options- she demonstrate each technique with clear & helpful directions!
POSITION: Find a comfortable position for you to insert. I find bending my knees in a slight squat is the most comfortable way.
CHECK PLACEMENT: After it is inserted, use a finger to swoop around the base to ensure it is in place around the cervix and the cup has popped open inside with proper suction.
REMOVAL: Gently squeeze the base to release the suction BEFORE you pull out the cup. A great tip from a friend was to hop in the shower at the end of the day to empty it out- that way it prevents messes and you can easily rinse it!
AIR HOLES: Organicup has tiny little air holes at the top. Make sure those air holes are rinsed clean. If blood is caught in it you can gently blow it out. (a little TMI..)
CERVIX CHANGE: Your cervix changes throughout the cycle so every insertion may be slightly different. When it is inserted correctly, you should NOT feel it whatsoever.
CONS
Your fingers get bloody… It is messier than a tampon/pad. Not the easiest thing to use in a public restroom since I prefer to have a sink on standby. There are wipes you can buy to use when you’re on the go.
Slight pinching of the skin while I adjust the cup inside. It might just be because I’m a beginner though!
After many uses, your cup may look have discoloration and that is normal. To get rid of the stain, in a bowl, mix 1/2 water and 1/2 hydrogen peroxide, submerge the cup and leave it overnight in the mixture and clean it with boiling water afterwards.
Happy birthday America! I sure am proud to be an American! I will be celebrating 21 years of living out my dream life in this beautiful country! Thankful to all that have made sacrifices for our freedom in this country. My life would’ve looked very differently if my family hadn’t moved us halfway across the world for better opportunities. I am beyond grateful to be pursuing and living out the lifestyle I’ve always dreamed of!
What a better way to celebrate the holiday by being in theme! I know makeup can be tough to recreate so I’ve kept these looks very simple and easy to follow. Check out the 5 looks down below for inspiration and enjoy Independence Day weekend! Stay safe!
KEEP CALM AND SPARKLE ON
Grab a bottle of star shaped sequins or red/white/blue glitter, add a layer of lip gloss and drench your lips with it so that it sticks! You can find glitter and sequins at your local Michael’s for less than $4.
RED, WINE & BLUE
Change up your usual natural eye makeup! Apply on your black eyeliner as the base and add another blue line on top for a subtle pop of color on your eyelids. This gives you a festive look without being over the top. Pair it with any red clothing and that’s it!
BORN TO SPARKLE
Go all out and cover yourself with sparkles!!! Perfect way to demonstrate your pride and love for our country! Dip the stars in a bit of eyelash glue (not too much) and pop the stars on your cheeks!
U.S of YAY
Don’t want to go all out with makeup? I got you! Do your normal eye look with a natural lip and buy star shaped stickers and add a couple different sizes right next to your eyes and call it a day. Instantly makes you festive without any effort! How easy!!!
MADE IN THE USA
This look is for you if don’t want to be the center of attention. It’s a classic look that can be rocked for so many occasions. Pop on a bold red lip, put on a headband (you can find on Amazon, Claire’s or TJ Maxx) and you’re ready to party in the USA! My favorite red lipstick is by MAC in the color A10 Red with a Satin finish.
Congratulations! If you’re reading this, that means you’re engaged and trying to decide whether to have a wedding, elope or you’re just curious about this option for the future! So…. let’s get started. When you hear the word elopement, there’s a bit of a negative association to the word right? Well I hope as time passes, society will normalize this option because every couple celebrates diferently. I hope this post can help you feel more confident and comfortable in your decision to elope! You CAN make a whole day out of it and truly feel like you just celebrated an intimate marriage.
We have all heard the horror stories on the wedding planning process and the wedding day itself. From psycho controlling in-laws to you turning into a bridezilla freak- it can be such a bitch having to deal with the pressure of putting on a wedding. Now I know not ALL weddings are like this, but knowing how much of a perfectionist I am, I would’ve gone mad. We all have our preferences and please keep in mind these are just mine! Some might love a huge wedding celebration and that is okay too!
Let’s go back in time. As a little girl, I’ve always dreamed of having a massive wedding. Over the top decor with butterflies/ doves being released, horse carriages pulling me up to the alter, dramatic wedding gown, and an insane amount of flowers everywhere. Glamorous, fabulous and the classic Disney movie scene was what I dreamt of because that’s all I knew. As I’ve grown up, I’ve realized that the intent behind why I wanted these things was because it’s the “norm” and a part of me wanted to put on a pretentious show. Thank god we grow out of those phases am i right? Well most of us do 😉
For David and I, we didn’t feel a wedding fit our vibe as a couple. It would’ve been a very forced day to please certain family members and that should never be the intention in having a wedding. From feeling forced to invite specific people to dropping insane amounts of money on materialistic things to feeling discomfort while guests stare at us and having to fake our joy the entire time, we ultimately chose not to have a wedding and guess what, it was the BEST decision we’ve ever made. Reminder: your wedding day is about YOU (& your partner) It is NOT about pleasing family or continuing traditions that you have no interest in or fulfilling social etiquette.
Below I’ll be sharing tips, recommendations on how you can still create an intimate ceremony just the two of you if you choose to elope! There are still traditions that you can implement to create your special day without having the wedding. Maybe years down the line you wish you had a wedding, you STILL CAN! There are renewal vow celebrations for a reason! Keep on reading!
MAKE THE DECISION TOGETHER
Okay, you and your partner finally decided that eloping is how you want to do it, what’s next? BEFORE you alert anyone about these plans, make sure you’re BOTH on the same page, like 100% sure on this decision.
Make statements that aren’t wishy washy so people do not think they can talk you out of your decision. Stand your ground- you don’t owe anyone any explanation.
ETIQUETTE
YOU get to decide when and how you want to announce your marriage plans. There is no proper etiquette to follow and do not feel the pressure to have to tell people beforehand. I am tired of hearing the whole “but they’re family so they should know.” It honestly depends on the relationship you have with your family/friends. For me, my family are my bestest of friends- I run every thought, idea through them and never fear a judgemental response or feel that they would impose to change my ideas. There was never a single moment where they inserted their opinions on what I should or shouldn’t do- the response was pure genuine happiness!
However, not everyone will be like that. IF you decide to tell people beforehand, expect pushback from family (esp the older generations) Insecure people will take it personally (that is on them, not you) and if you know deep inside that people will have certain reactions to this announcement, then make the decision to not tell them so the special occasion doesn’t get spoiled.
Make sure you both make the choice together. If you choose to tell people ahead of time, go ahead! If you don’t want to, do not feel guilty about your choices. IF people project negativity towards you, don’t let it get to your head. This is not their wedding/marriage.
WAYS TO CELEBRATE YOUR ELOPEMENT
RENT A SPACE!
Choose where you want to celebrate this intimate ceremony! A bucket list hotel, destination, event space- somewhere you normally wouldn’t splurge on. Changing up your environment will automatically make this moment special!
We found a stunning airbnb in Tulum that was perfection! The moment I saw the interior, I knew this was where I’d shoot my wedding photos. If you’re obsessed with our wedding photos, you can also rent out this space for yourself! Check out the listing here!
SAY YES TO THE DRESS!
Get that dream dress you’ve always wanted to wear! Grab a couple girlfriends, pop that champagne & go wedding dress shopping or check out Nearly Newlywed for a second hand dress. You deserve to have that fairytale moment in your wedding gown (only if you want to) and there are a ton of options out there! There is truly a special feeling when you put on that dress to say your vows and you can still have that princess moment you’ve dreamed of!
I knew exactly what dress I wanted from BHLDN, but guess what? It was thousands of dollars for something I’d wear for a photoshoot and I wasn’t comfortable with dropping that much money…. My heart was so attached to it and no matter how many other websites I checked out, I kept going back to the dress. One day, I stumbled upon an online boutique called Nearly Newlywed, that sells authentic, preloved designer dresses. They had 1 listing with the exact dress/sizing and it was the universe aligning with my wishes. I was able to buy it for 3X cheaper!
WRITE PERSONAL VOWS
Expressing your own vows is impactful. Creating a genuine, heartfelt declaration is something that will be appreciated by your partner and establish a meaningful moment to the day.
We each wrote our own vows weeks earlier and took turns sharing them while we were dressed up. I set up cameras & recorded the whole thing for our personal keepsake. Our vows made us laugh, cry & ultimately feel closer together.
THE FIRST DANCE
Dance it out! Every relationship has a song that reminds them of a period of time together- when you had your first kiss or when you met this song was playing. If you don’t, you can pick one! Play it, dance to it and have your moment! We all have iphones nowadays so set up the camera on a tripod and record your moment for yourselves!
BRIDAL BOUQUET
Grab your favorite flowers and create the bouquet of your dreams. Use it as a prop to add an elevated elegance to your wedding look!
CAPTURE THE MOMENT
Capturing the precious moments is priceless! Hire a photographer or set up a tripod and take some cheesy wedding shots to document the process! You can decide to share or keep them to yourselves! You’ll be able to look back on the moment & still feel like there was a mini celebration for this joyous union. This will also allow you to include & share the news with everyone else when you announce that you’ve gotten married!
A PIECE OF CAKE
LADY M CREPE CAKE
Bring on the sweet treats! Get your favorite go-to cake & savor it! You can even keep the tradition of saving one slice for the one year anniversary by freezing it too!
We opted for Lady M Mille Crepe Cake which I totally recommend. Lady M is a luxurious brand marries French pastry techniques with Japanese sensibility in creating 20 alternating layers of soft cream and French crepes. The green tea & passionfruit flavors are divine.
THE ALTER
Love the look of standing at an alter? Buy an affordable arch, decorate it with florals or find a business to rent out that has wedding backdrops!
CULINARY CELEBRATION
Hire a private chef for a luxurious meal at home/abroad/hotel or go out for a meal that you normally wouldn’t splurge on. If you’re a foodie, book that Michelin star restaurant you’ve been eyeing to go to!
SURPRISE GIFTS!
Planning a surprise for your partner can be such a sentimental way to show your partner the love you have for each other. A gift doesn’t have to be pricy- it can be an inside joke between the 2 of you, something symbolic or you just want to spoil each other!
SEND OUT WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT
After you’ve thoroughly enjoyed your moment and you feel ready to share the news, you can send out a photo announcement to update everyone! That way, people still feel included and get a sneak peek. No pressure to feel the need to share the news- do it whenever you’re ready as a couple!
I chose to share the news a month later to savor those precious moments & truly be in the moment. Below was my announcement!
Gathering legal documents abroad can be difficult and time consuming. Every country varies in their marriage law certification process. Local courthouses can also take some time to process and does not offer flexibility with specific dates/times. My recommendation is to go directly to a private business that offers efficiency and flexibility.
We decided to officially sign the documents at a quick drive thru chapel and travel to a destination to capture the intimate ceremony of just the 2 of us. We went to Albertson Wedding Chapel in LA (fun fact: Alaric from The Vampire Diaries also got married here! AH!) It was such a smooth & pleasant process- you can opt for them to complete all the paperwork for you and it simplified the process. They were SO generous with upgrading & offering us to come inside their beautiful chapel to seal the deal!
Silver lining to the 2020 pandemic? Taking the whole year to PERFECT my chocolate chip cookie recipe. I’ve gone through so many batches that would come out too dry, too fluffy, too thin and overall just not right. I have finally created a fail proof recipe that will leave your guests thinking you’re Betty Crocker! I think we can all agree, there really isn’t a more quintessential baked good than a classic chocolate chip cookie. One bite of this ooey, gooey, chewy cookie will leave you wanting to eat the entire batch in one sitting. Follow my simple, straightforward recipe and you’ll be crowned the queen of baking!
QUICK BAKING TIPS
BUTTER: Melt the stick of butter SLOWLY in the microwave. We don’t want a messy explosion… Trust me… You don’t want the butter to be sizzling hot- stop every 15-20 seconds and stir it around to get melted butter.
CHOCOLATE CHIPS: If you like it more chocolatey, add 1 whole cup instead. Feel free to use dark chocolate, semi-sweet or white chocolate. Your cookie= your preferences!
COOKIE DOUGH: Do NOTskip this step! You must set the cookie dough in the fridge for at least 45 minutes BEFORE baking it!!! Cover the bowl with saran wrap, pop it in the fridge, clean up the mess in the kitchen and the time will pass quickly before you know it.
I’m back with another 1 Prop= 5 Shots and this time, the prop is my beautiful wisteria tree located right in my front yard. You can apply this concept to any flowers you have in the neighborhood, park, garden or just head to your local grocery store to buy a bouquet for less than $5! Make sure to tag me on Instagram if you recreate any of these looks!
XO,
Soph
POSE WITH IT
The easiest one out of alllll these photoshoot ideas- simply lay down or sit next to the flowers and smile! All you’ll need to bring is your big beautiful smile & it’s that easy. I wanted to create a monotone look by matching my outfits with the flower color theme. Feel free to wear whatever you’re most confident in!
PETAL LASH
This photo idea takes quite a bit of practice, but for those makeup lovers out there, you’ll LOVE recreating it. Take a bunch of petals, carefully use lash glue and apply it on your lash line! I matched my eyeshadow with the purple theme, but feel free to do your own makeup however you like. This concept gives you an instant glamorous & effortless look! Perfect for an unclose self portrait headshot. I wrapped a couple wisterias around my camera lens to give this photo some depth during the shoot.
HOLD THE FLOWER
Cut a couple pieces or take a whole bouquet and hold it in front of you. You can use the flowers to block a part of your body from revealing, cover your face with it and it instantly gives you a candid, editorial looking shot!
FLOWER CROWN
Why not wear the flowers on your head? I grabbed a headband (any type will do) and some tape and used the pieces I cut to create a flower crown! You can tape as little or as much flowers on for a unique look. I wanted the wisterias to look as if they were drooping over my head so I taped the branches down at the top of the headband for this look.
FLORAL BACKDROP
Use it as an easy backdrop! Any kind of flowers can instantly turn a photo dreamy, romantic and feminine. Set up a small table, lay out a book, a cup of tea, and you’ll have a fancy photograph!
Valentine’s Day is coming up and I know alot of us are still trapped indoors due to the pandemic. BUT, that shouldn’t stop you from celebrating and changing up the scenery at home for a fun filled weekend. Whether you’re hosting a galentines zoom party with your girlfriends or you want to surprise your partner, here are some photo inspiration for you to easily recreate them right at home!
BALLOON BATH
This photoshoot is probably one of the easiest I’ve ever done! Blow up a bunch of balloons ( you can find them at Michaels, 99cent store, Amazon, etc), tie them up, toss it into a bathtub and plop right in! I do want to kindly remind you to tie your balloons in a REUSABLE way to be more environmentally friendly. Here is a video you can watch to learn how. Now I know not everyone has a bathtub, so you can fill up your shower too or even buy a blow up kiddie pool! My tip is to not blow up the balloons too much to prevent it from popping when you get into the tub.
XOXO
Did you know tic tac toe can be traced all the way back to ancient Egypt? The game was found on roofing tiles dating back to 1300 BCE! Soooo historical right?! Well let’s modernize this game by drawing it on your mirror with a hot pink lipstick! This is perfect for a Valentine’s Day shoot to do with your partner!
CONVERSATION HEARTS
Conversation hearts are the symbol of Valentine’s Day here in the US. Growing up, I remember buying a bunch to pass out to all my classmates at school. So of course, I headed to the grocery store to buy some for myself! As I stared at the products trying to think of a creative way to use them, I began to find the sayings on there boring and plain. I wished the messages would change from just the basic phrases to more meaningful deeper messages. It inspired me to make DIY life size conversation hearts with personal messages that we should all preach and spread more of- from choose kindness, to goal digger, to my favorite, dream big! Check out my IG video here for a step by step guide!
VALENTINE BACKDROP
I wanted alllll things pink for Valentine’s Day so I flipped our entire living room completely! Hang up some banners, blow up a balloon that says “love” or “XOXO” or any lovey dove phrases and hang it up as a backdrop. Remember those balloons you blew up for another shoot? Well hopefully you saved them and reuse it for this shoot!
SWEET TOOTH
One of my biggest hobby is baking! I made some sugar cookies, decorated them with pink icing and thought why not use it as a prop! I filled a cup with sugary conversation hearts, laid down on the floor for a fun picture!
Alllll I want for Christmas…. Isss….. YOUUUUU! Blast some Mariah Carey music, get into the spirit and do a classic pose in front of the tree. You can keep this picture simple by sitting in front of any X-mas tree or go all out and surround yourself with decor and extra twinkle lights. It’s a versatile shot that will work with a variety of poses, but I thought this one was a bit more unique. First, sit down and do a half criss cross while he stands behind you bending over to give you a kiss on the forehead. You can thank me later 😉
CHRISTMAS PILLOW FIGHT
Throw on some Christmas pajamas that you have laying around. Target has matching PJs for $10! Set your camera right in front of the bed and have a pillow fight match! It’s perfect for an adorable, low maintenance, “candid” Christmas themed photo.
CANDY CANE HEART
Don’t be shy! Show off your lovey dovey PDA by holding up candy canes in front of you to form a heart. It’s such an affordable photoshoot idea that can easily recreate. Do this shot out in nature by some pine trees, in front of a christmas tree, or even at the beach! You can’t get any cheesier than that!
JINGLE (LIGHTS) ALL THE WAY
I was SO inspired by the 2006 Deck The Halls movie promo shot and wanted to recreate it in our own cutesy way (duh! hehe) Wear Christmas pjs or any festive print clothing, wrap yourself up in some christmas lights and you’ve got yourself a cheesy holiday shot. For the Christmas lights, I recommend getting the white wiring versus the green (won’t look as “snowy/dreamy”) but it’s your own preference!
FESTIVE BACKDROP
Backdrop paper can get pretty expensive, especially since holiday patterns are used seasonally and can get pretty repetitive. I thought of an affordable way to change up your backdrop every holiday season without breaking the bank! Target has the Dollar section by the entrance with tons of simple garlands/ decor for you to put up on a blank wall or you can DIY your own! For this shoot, I used a small wreath and center that on a blank wall and slowly taped on candy canes in a pattern. I love repurposing the same decor and this makes such a unique backdrop for your house. You can even keep it up the whole holiday season!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!!! If you know me, you know I love a good cheesy, predictable Christmas fairytale movie. I think it’s safe to say we ALL need some extra festive cheer this year (did ya forget were still in a pandemic??) and what a better way to get through the year by staying inside and watching holiday films. I’m sharing my Christmas movie guide of all of the favorites I have on repeat every year. It’s sorted by genre and I rank my top 5 in each category. Some of these films have sequels that are just as good (I didn’t list it, but recommend you to watch!) PLEASE let me know what other movies I should add to my list and check out my instagram @sophcation for more daily updates.
Sophie Lai 