[snapshotspace] donut you want to go to krispy kreme right now, matey?

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Happy Monday, folks!

So this past Friday, Krispy Kreme was celebrating International Talk Like A Pirate Day! Which I had no idea about, until fellow donut loving friends lovingly informed me of this amazing day! Basically, this is what happens. Either you can:

1.) Go and buy a donut, per usual.

2.) Go and talk in a pirate accent/lingo, and get one glazed donut free!

3.) Go and be dressed up like a pirate, and get one DOZEN free glazed donuts!

Guess which one I did, and got amazing people to participate in with me? 😉

And it was crazy, because I ended up getting so absorbed into DIY-ing all things pirate that I invested over 2.5 hours into this project, heh.

My amazing friend also whipped up the awesome donut with utensil “crossbones” designed hat.

Wow!

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With everything made and done, two (awesome) friends and I…

put on our “gear,”

practiced our pirate lingo (okay, that was mostly me),

and walked out of Krispy Kreme with THIRTY SIX FREE GLAZED DONUTS!

I hope you enjoyed the sneak peek into that incredibly fun night, and please let me know if you have any suggestions for how to get all the donuts enjoyed!

Thank you, Krispy Kreme for such a memorable and sweet (hehe) night!

Have a lovely day!

Love,

Jess

P.S. If you enjoyed, stick around and follow for more just as tasty and tasteful posts, hehe! 🙂

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[snapshotspace] Hello, Baby! OOTD

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Oh, hello again!

It’s going to be a little twist here on #helloblackbird in that we’re going to be featuring a BOY today!

Well, at the time this was taken, he wasn’t born yet, but we all were boy-oh-boy excited 🙂

So… if you didn’t gather in the last few sentences, I had the lovely privilege of attending a baby shower, and we all know how I can be a liiiiiiiitttle behind regarding the time frame between taking photos and posting them here!

<cough> He is born and thriving and handsome! </cough>

Nevertheless, here is a brief snapshot of my OOTD, with a cameo from a magical unicorn from that one movie. The one that was really funny. And cute.

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The statement necklace is from Windsor, and the classic navy shade has brought a lot of attention from passerby when I wear it! I love how it’s large and in charge, but at the same time doesn’t have to be bright neon or crazy huge to declare its presence. (Not that I don’t like those pieces. It just worked out this way for this outfit!)

The top is from Target, and I LOVE the cat print on this knit piece. It’s quirky and fun, and oh so comfortable! If you know me, you know that’s how I roll 🙂

Nevertheless, I need to make some space in my closet so I’m actually selling it on one of my favorite sites to browse, Threadflip.com! Stop by if you want to take a peek!

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Loving these navy shorts from Francesca’s! That store is pretty much my dream store. If I could create a boutique, I feel like I would just copy/paste that beautiful place with all the clever accessories and nicknacks over to my site, heh. Don’t you love the lace detailing on the pockets? I know that it’s pretty simple to add on yourself, so I could have just done it to a pair I owned, but nobody’s got time for that! That being going to the fabric store to pick out the specific lace, sewing, and figuring out how to use the rest of the lace.

Actually…

Hmmm………….

I digress.

And from here on out are a few photos I took from that special event! The ladies who made and put up this decor are quite talented, I must say (and I’m sure you’d agree!). Prepare yourself for some heartmelting content below.

Be advised.

You have been warned.

🙂

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GAH. SO CUTE.

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MUSTACHE straws?? Simple DIY with such massive changes in aesthetic!

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Plasticware cinched in to create a bow-tie effect. I love.

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The whole array 🙂

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My heart.

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No truer statement.

Well, that’s not true, but it’s pretty up there.

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Say it with me: D’awwwww!

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 One of the activities we had was decorating stick-on bow ties/neck ties so that when he reaches that length of life (one month, two months, three months, etc), it’s easy to snap a photo and know exactly how old he is!

Brilliant.

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The photobooth that was so meticulously set up by an amazing woman I am blessed to know.

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Manly munchies on the table!

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The program that “tied” (hehe, get it? :D) the whole thing together.

I hope you enjoyed this edition, and have a lovely day!

Love,

Jess

[snapshotspace] Nail Painting Time – Triple Threat Edition!

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Happy Tuesday!

A little while ago, I got to spend some good quality NPT (“nail painting time”) with godly, wonderful women!

Quite an ideal combination of fun and fellowship, I feel 🙂

So without further ado, here is a peek at all the shenanigans that went on that afternoon!

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Design Overview:

Left: An individual chevron-esque design outlined with black to make it pop more to the eye. I  wish I could have practiced more before attempting the look. But I’m thankful for a gracious friend who appreciated it nonetheless (I hope, hehe).

Middle: Essie’s “Sand Tropez” and “Mint Candy Apple” layered with Essie’s “Show Me The Ring” to add pearly dimension.

Right: Yellow nail polish with a French tip created using a gold marker, protected with a top coat.

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T’was a lovely afternoon, and I hope to be able to repeat it sometime again!

Love,

Jess

[snapshotspace] Introducing Nathalie Cheng Photography

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Happy Saturday!

Are you relaxing from the long week and eager to lounge about?

Well, I’m glad you stopped by my little corner of the interwebs and joined me for a bit!

And while I’m at it, let me ask you a simple question:

Have you ever seen something that made you get the feels, and you just couldn’t get enough?

I have… like when I have a nice cup of hot tea, a good book, and some afternoon sunlight filtering through the blinds to bathe my room in warmth. Wow, that’s such a sweet blessing to me. What things get you?

And… every time I encounter a new event, time, place, person, or blog that stirs up those lovely feelings, I have the need to share it!

Because it’s not fully enjoyed by me unless I can spread the loveliness to others, wouldn’t you agree?

And so… I would love to introduce you to Nathalie Cheng Photography! I’ve mentioned her on my blog before, and she just started an amazing website that literally took my breath away when I first saw it. Seriously, who knew that such an inspiring, delightful woman of God was blessed with such fierce photography skills?

Seriously, it’s like I get such amazing encouragement from Nathalie, and then she goes ahead and decides to inception that by channeling nostalgic and loving feels through her work with the camera lens! Feels upon feels upon feels!

[insert smooth transition here, hehe 😉 ]

This is a recent wedding that I believe she second shot for (please correct me if I’m wrong!) and… I can’t get over it. The colors are so gorgeously caught, and the moments are precious to behold. If these images start becoming Pinterest-able, I think I’ll need to keep posting such lovely things in whatever boards I come up with! Hehe. 

So if you’re interested in seeing something absolutely delightful to make your day brighter, I suggest you just click on over and check out the up-and-coming photographer who also happens to be one of the sweetest people God is using for His glory 🙂

Join me in my excitement, and have a lovely day!

Love,

Jess

[snapshotspace] the glory of a woman… gone. haircut!

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Hello there!

So on a fateful Saturday (three days ago), the sun was shining brightly, I was given the blessing of a good night’s rest, and therefore… I was pumped for the rest of the day!

Only… what to do?

I had been thinking about cutting my hair for a while, but didn’t know when was an opportune time.

And well, you know what comes next!

What to do with my hair?

Soon, you may be asking, what did you do to your hair?? : )

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This is my devious face.

#shamelessselfie

#butonlyforreference

Kinda. Haha. The purpose of it was to serve as a “before” image! Look at that long hair…

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Take a good, long look.

Because one moment you see it…

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And then it’s gone!

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I’m pretty sure that’s at least a pound of hair. Haha.

One way to lose weight 😛

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The finished look! And it only took an hour, whew. I was going for an asymmetrical cut – longer on the left side, shorter on the right. I’m loving how light my head feels, perfect for the summer months! Hopefully, my neck muscles don’t go asymmetrical as well… but if you see me looking at you in the future with my head tilted… ; )

Have a lovely day in the Lord!

Love,

Jess

[snapshotspace] ModCloth X HelloBlackbird!

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 The sun is shining, the clouds are carefree, and it’s another day of life we’ve been given!

I’m excited to announce that I have the opportunity to work with ModCloth’s “Uniquely You” campaign today! Seeing the featured “Bouquet of the Season” dress (specifically the “Bright Over Here” style) immediately conjured images of traveling to far off places and stories as such.

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Oh, what marvelous sights to see –

from slumbering sand dunes

to lush valleys

to cerulean waves dancing to the current!

Oh, what lovely landmarks to visit –

whether one traverses to places only in the imagination

or one returns to the trusty home, the keeper of fond memories!

Oh, reader, oh the places you’ll go –

In this dress, of course!

BB Dakota Bright Over Here Dress

BB Dakota Bright Over Here Dress // ModCloth.com

Some clothing items simply have memories attached to them that others don’t, and it makes it harder to part with sometimes. Until the spring cleaning bug attacks… and then even that nostalgia can’t save them. Heh. But if I were to own this dress, it would never retire! Here’s how I would style this beauty, and it’s crazy wonderful how all of the pieces complement this spring theme of, “Oh, the places you’ll go!”

Make Big Waves Sunhat

Make Big Waves // Modcloth.com

How gorgeous is this hat? The black ribbon and trim make this a smart straw sun hat. Doesn’t it somehow exude an aura of an updated bonnet? I can imagine standing on a boat’s prow, wind whistling around my ears with this hat while the dress sways to the breeze. Or even trudging through a desert with it to ward off the scorching heat. Or even keeping some of the rain patter off the dress and protecting your face while exploring Rome!

In Dew Time Earrings in Morning

In Dew Time Flowers In Morning // Modcloth.com

How better to complement the dress and bring a fresh array of colors? I adore studs because they’re so versatile, easy to pack, and add a splash of delightful in every outfit! These scream adventure in a sweet way, and the soft corals/pinks bring out the striking blues of the dress. What a way to work as a team!

In the Zone Necklace

In The Zone Necklace // Modcloth.com

Isn’t this just the neatest? Not only can you have the time from where you started your travels, but you can also easily glance for the time at your present location! Of course, it might not make you happy as you see the time difference (and thus the jetlag that you’re presumably feeling), but what a nifty metal accessory to add interest to the dress?

Whirl Traveler Necklace

Whirl Traveler Necklace // Modcloth.com

And obviously, a stylin’ jetsetter likes to layer so she doesn’t have too many items in her luggage! I love how it works so well with the clock necklace and displays (literally!) the world of possibilities!

Celestial Chateau Makeup Bag

Celestial Chateau Makeup Bag // Modcloth.com

If the sky is the limit, you can’t say no to the perfect accessory for your dress! The rich blue hue matches the blue color scheme, and the detailing matches our accessories! If you need to take only a few things, might as well turn this makeup bag into a clutch and run out the door! Make some new memories with this conversation piece, with your arms relaxing and allowing the dress to shine as you chat. Where are you going to be this time? : )

Inherent Initiative Bag

Inherent Initiative Bag // Modcloth.com

This describes you, doesn’t it? I adore the detailing on this satchel. The natural brown contrast the pure white flap, but evokes the outdoors when juxtaposed with the lovely blue flower print of the star item! Throw in all the travel essentials and truly, oh the places you’ll go!

Ambrosia to the Occasion Heel

Ambrosia to the Occasion Heel // Modcloth.com

Have you heard the saying, “If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!”? Well, it’s also true that “if your feet ain’t happy, ain’t no day happy!” and we all know it! That’s why these coral shoes are such winners – the coral and blue meld together beautifully, and the strap hits just below the ankle, elongating the legs and making your feet want to dance. You’ll be doing a jig across the continents in this daring duo!

Bedside Dream Journal

Bedside Dream Journal // Modcloth.com

And when all is said and done,

When the adventures have been had,

the strangers met,

the experiences made,

the food eaten,

and the places explored,

you will come back home –

thankful,

the better for the journey,

and honestly, tired.

Record those dreams and memories in a journal that will spur other lovely dreams that a good night’s rest and a fresh new morning will bring.

And hanging there,

freshly laundered and waiting,

will be your “Bright over Here!” dress –

waiting to accompany you once more.

And one day, should you ever want another travel companion, ModCloth offers an immense selection of lovely dresses for your perusing!

Thanks for reading, and have a lovely day!

Love,

Jess

song of the week: “not a bad thing” cover by Gabe Bondoc

[snapshotspace] It’s Friday… Let It Go!

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Happy Thursday or Friday to you, everyone!

And if you’re reading this not on one of those days, then greetings from the past!

Ever since  I watched Frozen, it has somehow been a part of my life.

Friends saying clever snippets from the script in reference to normal life.

Really, really wanting to build a snowman.

Buying the soundtrack as soon as it was on a lightning deal sale on Amazon (15% off!!) – thank you, friend! : )

I think you get the gist!

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And so, I decided to do a makeup look inspired by HyoRin of the kpop group Sistar, who sang her rendition of the song with a lovely, subtle makeup look that I really liked. The purity and simplicity really caught my eye, and the silver reminded me of, well, a snowflake!

The clustered necklace of ostentatious faux pearls, diamonds, and silver chain was the closest item I could grasp that reminded me of the snow that “glows white on the mountain tonight”… which might not be the ideal accessory for snow, but…

Let it go!

Hehe.

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I feel like it really brightens up the face and provides a healthy glow, yet maintains some semblance of natural makeup. Like, a close relative. Maybe a cousin?

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Take a look if you like by clicking here or any of the images above, and have a  lovely summer-y day in spring!

Love,

Jess

[snapshotspace] SNSD’s Jessica in “Mr. Mr.” Makeover

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Hello there!

I thought I’d do something different on the blog and introduce to you another hobby of mine: YouTube! The planning, filming, editing, and execution of videos excites me, and I hope to share that with you today : ).

So with that, let me start again:

Hello, everyone, meet my YouTube!

My YouTube, meet everyone.

: )

There, now we are acquainted!

Hopefully, we will soon become friends.

Fun Fact! The username (jessicaxnyao) was inspired by:

1. My name (quite clearly)

2.) My grandpa – he used to say “nyao” (similar to a cat’s meow) quite often as a random expression, and made a living for a lot of his life as an artist. And as he was an artist with the canvas, I would like to become more like an artist with… the face! Hehe. And also with the canvas. But that’s just a tad more difficult, I think.

Below is the latest one I created, inspired by Jessica from SNSD in “Mr. Mr.” – check it out by clicking on the image! I love the slightly-more-out-there-but-not-really look here, and recreating it was such fun!

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And the photo that inspired this project:

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Stop by if you like and let me know how you enjoyed it!

And of course, have a lovely day!

Love,

Jess

[snapshotspace] what i love

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In light of Valentine’s Day, here are a few “loves” of mine…

in the more light-hearted, superficial sense of the word-

so maybe I should revise that and say

“here are a few things i really like”

Let’s just begin, yes?

1.) Mortar and pestle.

My mom used this a lot – to crush seeds and create various mixtures. I grew up hitting the pestle and enjoying it immensely. Now, I think I like it so much because of its use.

Funny, growing up.

It changes a person.

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2.) Lights

One of the many reasons Christmas is by far my favorite holiday. The bright, cheery lights that glitter and shine through the night (albeit causing more light pollution and using electricity) make my heart go aflutter and remind me of the Light of the world.

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3.) This color scheme.

I adore citrus. And the striking colors contrast even more so with the gorgeous, natural greens shown in the image. Juxtapose that with the concrete-looking background, and I’m sold.

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4.) Puns.

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I am a very punny person. Word play is such fun and I don’t mind the various eye-rolls it gets me sometimes. It’s worth it. I’ll keep cooking up some more and serve them as they come along!

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5.) Books

Reading is by far my favorite past-times. Be it fiction or nonfiction, it does something that watching TV or playing video games (or writing a blog post) cannot do.

I love it and am thankful for this love of reading.

Also, loving this decor.

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What are some of your loves?

Have a wonderful day!

Love,

Jess

[snapshotspace] winter snow

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Why, hello there!

Growing up, I didn’t really have a lot of opportunities to get my nails done.

As in, the first time I got a manicure, I was 12 years old.

And the second time was… two months ago.

So I guess you could say I enjoy doing my own – and it’s harder for me to justify going to a salon unless the occasion calls for it. And when I do pay to have someone paint product with unhealthy fumes onto a body part that grows and needs to be cut… I make it work for me as long as I possibly can.

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The style was a simple classic and is what I got both times in my life: the French manicure.

I love its purity in design and the cleanness of the lines. Not too flashy, but definitely something that reminds me that yes, I paid for something I am not good at doing on myself.

I can barely draw a straight line – how am I to paint a curve exactly parallel to my fingertips with misbehaving fluid?

Beats me.

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And so when time passed after I thoroughly enjoyed this novelty on my hands, I decided to prolong its stay by adding swirls of Essie’s “Peak of Chic” to enhance the white tip and make the two polishes complement one another.

It doesn’t hurt that I watched Frozen twice and immediately thought of that when I saw this new polish.

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Don’t you love it? The long, holographic strips of glitter make it seem as though snow is swirling and the wind is howling like the storm some animated characters feel inside…

Glitter might be a handful (hehe), but it’s definitely worth it in my book!

Have a lovely day!

Love,

Jess