Adam and are in Las Vegas at the latter part of a 24 hour trip. We’re just about to go home . He had business and brought me along - perk!

Last night we saw David Copperfield, in what was probably the worst show I’d ever seen. Ok, that’s harsh, but David was definitely sleep walking through the whole thing. We’re at The Venetian, which is one of the lovelier Vegas hotels; we got a good rate. Our room overlooks The Strip and out to the desert. Nice. Just a quick note here, but I’ll be posting some pics soon. I didn’t bring my travel camera, but iPhone is fairly dandy for quick trips. More soon.

I’ve spent the week in Camarillo helping my sister move. Things happen, life changes, people leave. We’ve been packing, sorting, and lifting, using muscles I didn’t know I had. I’ve been sleeping on an air mattress and although my back is complaining, I’m steadfast that work needs to get done and my sister needs my help. Needless to say, it’s been a rough week, but on the bright side, I’m spending more time with my sister than I have in years :)

I haven’t been really taking pictures this week, there isn’t much to photograph unless you like the architectural style of stacked boxes. I don’t know. Maybe some people do.

Ahhh, the Karmann Ghia. This has only been my dream car since I was 15. Some day she shall be mine. Danielle and I saw this parked in front of Marie Calendar’s a few days ago.

I thought this was *hilarious. Spotted at the 7-11 in Camarillo, Red Velvet Frosted Cupcakes. In case you hadn’t gotten the memo, this signifies that Red Velvet is dead; which is sad. I had a red velvet cake at my wedding. Besides, look at all that packaging. Just make your own.

Danielle and I had to get out of the house for a bit so we went to the beach. It was a lovely overcast day and the beach was mostly empty. We grew up a few miles from here, but in a run-down, mostly Mexican, part of town. Oxnard is beautiful, but not so much the neighborhood we grew up in. I didn’t appreciate the beaches when I lived there.

*Hilarious is a strong word. I was amused.

Photos: Kristen Simental

I love old photos, especially old photos of New York in the 70’s. Check out this excellent photo essay of Brooklyn in 1974 by Danny Lyon.

This is what I look like first thing in the morning (Mac PhotoBooth washes me out, which might be a good thing.)

This blog is to be what my first blog (2002-2011) was supposed to be: A journal of my life, me, and the things that make me happy. The old blog became a dumping ground for everything that was wrong with my life. Even I couldn’t stand reading it. This blog isn’t so much a “personal style” blog, but more a personal exploration blog. It’s also going to give me side projects - which will force me out of the house (I work from home, gets boring some days).

I’ve spent most of my life questioning my appearance, body shape, and personality. I see 20-somethings putting themselves out there. They’ve grown up in front of the internet and it’s no big deal to style themselves, play model, pose in front of the camera, and lay it all out on the table. Defects? Fat? Ugly? No problem. As I said, this isn’t a personal style blog, but I’d like to find a balance between putting it out there, being myself, and being comfortable in my own skin. To be honest, I’m not sure where this blog is headed. It doesn’t solve world hunger, but it’s helping me say “This is who I am. Take it or leave it” and letting the chips fall where they may. It’s a big step for me, actually. During my 10 years of blogging, I hardly ever published pictures of myself. I’ve always been behind the camera. I’m not sure I’m looking for validation. That would be nice, but I’m not actively seeking it. FYI. I figure, I’m 36 years old. Fuck it. I do what I want. Besides, when I’m 80 I’ll look back on this blog and celebrate how awesome I was.

I have a new attitude and I’m curious to see where this blog will take me. Just putting it out there…hence the first thing in the morning picture. Just wanted to get it over with.

Some things I’ve picked up recently…

1. Found “Necklace of the Sea” at a yard sale in Los Feliz on a sunny afternoon. I paid $5. The guy selling it was apparently a stylist, but I didn’t find any of his wardrobe creations very stylish. Lots of tape and staples, if you know what I mean. This piece, however, was so crazy. I’d never seen anything like it. Shells, seahorses, fish? It’s all there. I haven’t worn it yet, but am looking forward to pairing it with something that allows it to get noticed…how could it not?

2. On a recent excursion to Ventura, my sister dug this out of the handbag bin. I never would have seen it had it not been for her. I paid a few bucks for it. Can’t wait to use this. It’s so clever with it’s internal double pockets and general handiness, I may put it into my regular rotation.

3. This! This was Mom’s in the 80’s. Mom gave it to my sister and then my sister gave it to me, knowing I would wear it with pride. I remember as a kid following the lines of the metal and wondering how they got that rock in there. LOL. I love it so and am pleasantly surprised how certain items manage to find their way back into your life. I’m in love with this pendant. Thanks Danielle!!

Photos: Kristen Simental (me)