Happiness is a Habit

We all go through it.  No one is immune to problems.  This life is hard.  Let’s just accept that.  No one escapes that aspect. No two people will ever have the same experience in this life.  Everyone’s paths are designed differently because everyone is on a different growing trail.  However, we can’t let the situations in this life bring us to a place where we aren’t happy.

I have gone through some really tough times.  It’s not what you’re going through that determines your happiness… it’s how you handle it.  The way you handle even the worst of it really describes who you are as person.  Whenever something happens that I feel derails me from my game plan I never look at it as a roadblock.  I see it as a blessing. 

What life has taught me so far is that not every “bad thing” that happens is really “bad.”  I have found that when things don’t go “my way” that means something better is on the horizon.  That blessing I didn’t receive… or job I didn’t get… or whatever that I wanted but could not acquire… it wasn’t designed for me.  It was meant for the person who got it.  They got it because they needed it, not me.  This philosophy wasn’t taught to me by any given person.  I learnt it though my life experiences. 

In Steve Jobs’s infamous commencement speech to the class of 2005 at Stanford University he stated, "Again, you can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.”

While I have always known this Steve Jobs stated it so simply an eloquently.  Sometimes what you are going through, no matter how hard you try to plan and make right, may go in a different direction than what you had intended.  Don’t let things not going the way you planned it in your head derail you for your goal.  I mean, you wouldn’t throw away a winning lottery ticket if the numbers weren’t in order, right?  Sometimes what you THINK you need is the last thing you WANT.  Just let go of fear, ego, and control.  These mindsets keep happiness at bay.

When you let go of fear, ego, and control happiness will ultimately come.  This happens because things always work out in the way they need to… not the way you want them to.  It may take longer… but remember it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey… and while on that journey don’t take anything for granted because the lesson that you need to learn is on that path.  You just don’t see it now because the dots aren’t clear.  Trust in yourself and in the path.  Never get upset because things didn’t go the way you had anticipated it.  There may actually be a better thing coming up that you would have missed going on the path you wanted.

 Remember to make happiness a habit. When you do that you will see how quickly life changes for the better. 

Genuine happiness attracts good things. 

HAPPY MONDAY Y’ALL!

Let me know in the comments below what habits you have that keep you happy?

Black Rabbit Outdoor Boudoir | Wonderland Boudoir Dallas

Hey everyone!  I haven’t posted a boudoir series in forever (I think my last one was Maria's)!    Today I wanted to show you all a fantastic outdoor boudoir session that we had in Cedar Hill, Texas.  We actually shot this session the Sunday before Mardi Gras, and we had such a wonderful time.  It was perfect weather in the Dallas area for an outdoor boudoir shoot.  It may be winter but it was only 65 degrees with heavy cloud coverage, no wind,  and we loved every second of it! 

Jazzy Baptiste was the makeup artist for this session. Jazzy is a huge name in the Dallas makeup scene.  He has done makeup live on Good Morning Texas, Elle magazine, and not to mention countless weddings.  I just love when he and I can work together in between his hectic work schedule. #DreamTeam

Jazzy and I had been planning to do a dark and moody outdoor session for awhile.  We wanted to do something sexy and fun but not typical.  As much as we enjoy in-studio sessions we love when we have the ability to shoot boudoir outside with a willing and open minded client. 

With all the new buildings and structure going on in Dallas recently it’s really hard to find a nice serene place to have a shoot.  Then I remembered how beautiful Cedar Hill is!  With the open mind of Ashley, we headed out to shoot on location at Cedar Hill National Park. 

If you have never been to Cedar Hill National Park in Cedar Hill, Texas then you a seriously missing out.  It’s one of Dallas’s best kept secrets.  The sun setting over Joe Pool Lake is one of the most beautiful things that you will ever see in your life.  They say there is no sunset more beautiful than the ones in Texas, and I have to agree. 

I really love when clients allow me to take creative control over a session.  She let us have fun the styling  and makeup.  We treated her like our doll and had so much fun glamorizing her.  I wish I had taken before and after shots but alas that did not happen.  For the future I will remember to do that. 

Jazzy Baptiste is a genius when it comes to his craft. He studies makeup looks from the runway, the magazines, and on the streets... and then crafts it to make it his signature style.  Jazzy is a person who is constantly studying all skin types and complexions to provide the best final look for all his clients.  Here Jazzy went for a dark winter smokey eye for Ashley.  This look is very catwalk ready. The deep dark purples and ombre lips compliments her cocoa complexion with.  The lashes are Ardell.  Jazzy named this look Purple Passion.

Ashley is rocking a thrifted (but new) faux fur oversized vest from a St Vincents, swimsuit by American Apparel, necklace & ring from Forever 21, and shoes from Steve Madden. 

We shot around the bank of the lake for 30 minutes. We made sure to get great shots with the tall dried reeds. Next, we headed in a bit into the woods to get shots in the beautiful lush green grass and dark purple vegetation.  Lastly, we ended up shooting on the boat dock before leaving the gorgeous national park.  The dock was my favorite place because, unlike the tall reeds near the lake, the colorful boats and blue water added a fun element  of color to such a muted outfit. 

We had a blast shooting the session so I hope you have equally as much fun going through them.

Without further ado!  Please enjoy the photos. 

Remember if you’re looking for a boudoir session in Dallas I currently have a flash sale going on until March 17th!  I’m offering 50% off any of the productions!  The photos need to be scheduled and taken on or before June 13th.  If you’re interested please check out the special page and then head over to my contact page to book a session or schedule a consultation! 

Follow Wonderland Boudoir of Dallas on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for future sneak peak boudoir session photos!

In the comments below tell me, where would your dream boudoir session take place?

7 Ways to Feel Comfortable for Your Boudoir Session

I get it!  You want to do a boudoir session, but you are scared senseless about doing one.  You want to make the plunge, but don’t know how to calm your nerves.

Never fear!  I have seven ways for you to feel more comfortable in front of the camera and in your boudoir session.

1.  Consult with your Boudoir Photographer

The number one thing you need to do before a boudoir session is consult with your potential photographer.  Don’t just go online, see beautiful photos of gorgeous women, and then pay the deposit.  You will need to CALL the photographer and SPEAK to them (if you can’t meet with them in person).  Make sure you get a good vibe from them and see if they make you feel comfortable over the phone.  Make sure you ask the photographer detailed questions.  Even ask them the questions you think are silly but have been on your mind.  The photographer shouldn’t be bothered in the least bit with your questions because this is something that is really important to you and time should be taken to accurately answer any concerns you may have.  After speaking to your photographer they should make you feel more comfortable about your pending session. 

2.   Hire a Professional Hairstylist and Makeup Artist

When booking a boudoir session hire a professional hairstylist and makeup artist (HMUA).  Don’t cut corners here!  You are already making an investment in a boudoir session just pay the extra $100-$150 (depending on the studio) for a professional HMUA.  Many women think they can do their own hair and makeup, but hair and makeup that you do for everyday life is WAY different than makeup you do for a professional shoot.  

Two quick reasons why you need to hire pros:

1. It takes the pressure off you.  It’s one less thing for you to worry about before your session.
2. HMUA use professional grade styling tools and products for studio sessions. 

You have been running around, working out, eating right, and buying clothes for this session.  The last thing you want to do is stress about how you’re going to do your own hair and makeup.  Leave it to a professional. 

3.  Get your Nails Done Before a Boudoir Session

I CANNOT tell you how many times a woman has forgotten do her nails before a session.  Now you don’t need a French manicure or color polish in general but make sure your nails have at least a clear coating on them and are cut evenly.  Bad nails can easily break a photo. 

4. Try on the Wardrobe Before Your Session

Trying on your boudoir outfits before your session will make you feel more confident.  The last thing you want to do is buy a piece of beautiful lingerie off the shelf and not try it on until your actual session.  That is just a potential recipe for disaster.  Don’t take that 50/50 chance of the piece not working out. A lot of companies will not let you return lingerie. 

Two Quick Boudoir Wardrobe Tips: 

1. If you are someone who wants to hide their tummy DO NOT purchase a simple bra and panty set. Purchase a chemise or a teddy.  If you are not 100% in love with your legs buy a garter and stocking set (which ALWAYS) looks hot. 
2. Shoes are ALWAYS important.  Make sure the heels match the lingerie.  I suggest that the heels be AT LEAST 4 inches tall.  I know, fashion hurts, but the results will be well worth the pain.

5.  Practice the Poses You Want

Practice your boudoir poses in front of the mirror before your session.  C’mon now!  Lets all be honest here!  We have all practiced modeling poses in front of the mirror.  I do it with my dog.  I mean it got so serious that my dog actually now knows how to pose in front of the camera! YES!  He will serve face with the best of them! 

Okay! LOL Back on track.  Make sure you communicate to your boudoir photographer what types of poses you really want.  I suggest emailing them a link to a Pinterest boudoir board you create as your inspiration for the boudoir session.  Having a visual idea of what YOU want from your session helps both you the photographer out. 

I know Pinterest can be a really hard place to find a cohesive set of poses that you like so I suggest checking out the Boudoir Divas 1500 poses e-book.  #YAAAAAASSSS girl 1500 poses!  What I like the most about this books is it highlights poses for  WOMEN OF EVERY SIZE!  I’m sure you can find at least one in there you like.  Check out the e-book here.  The Divas are friends of mine who also have two other detailed posing guides that I keep in my studio for my clients.  I would suggest purchasing them for your own personal collection too.  Find them HERE!

6.  Remember Why You are Doing This

Remember why you are doing this boudoir session.  What goal did you achieve that deserves such a glorious acknowledgement?

• Did you lose that final 20 pounds?
• Perhaps after a year in crossfit you want to show off your new toned body.  You didn’t deadlift for nothing now!
• Maybe you want to celebrate your woman hood with a maternity session!
• Are you celebrating a 30th, 40th, or 50th Birthday party and want to embrace your current sexiness?
• Is this going to be a sensual wedding or anniversary present that you have been secretly planning? You know he’s going to love it!

Whenever you begin to see doubt seeping through just remember why you are doing this.  Keep in mind there are plenty of women who felt exactly like you before their session.  These women came out loving the entire experience.    

7. Trust Yourself & Relax

You have to just trust yourself at this point.  You have contacted the photographer and feel confident in their work and vision for your project.  You hired a pro hair and makeup artist and trust in their ability to make you look amazing.  Your nails look fabulous.  You have picked lingerie that you tried on and practiced the poses you want in front of the mirror for the past week.  You are focused on why you are doing this.  Now you have to just trust in yourself.  Just sit back relax while getting pampered by the HMUA as you’re sipping champagne. Take comfort that you are doing something really amazing for you!

In the comments below let me know some questions you would like answer that will ease your fear of a boudoir session!

When It Rains, Look for Rainbows. When it’s Dark, Look for Stars.

 

Listen, all of us go through crappy situations.  No one gets out of this life without having to deal with something that is incredibly tragic.  It happens to all of us.  However, we can’t let situations we can’t control get the best of us.  We have to take reign of the situation and not drown in our sorrows. 

When you are going through those dark moments make sure you take the time to remember the blessings in this life.  Don’t take situations for granted (the good or the bad) because everything that you are doing and going through is bringing closer to your calling and purpose. 

While you are going through those tough times remember its okay to cry… for a little while, but you have to remember that there is always light to every situation.  Even in the hardest to accept. 

When you find that rainbow to your situation remember to share it with the world.  I promise there is someone else going through what you are going through right now that needs you as an inspiration.  Be that for someone this week. 

Happy Monday Y’all!

4 Actions I Take to Redefine Beauty

With so much illusion going on in the world I have to take steps to help make to redefine beauty in America.  The following actions I take work for me and I hope at least one, if not all, will work for you too.    

1.)    Being More than Happy with Who I Am!

I look in the mirror and I am so happy with what I see.  I find things that I love about myself that others may not like.  I appreciate my long muscular legs, high cheekbones, defined jawline, coco colored skin with gold and even undertones, tightly coiled natural hair, wide toothy grin, and my small button nose (that EVERYONE points out). I NEVER wear make-up (you’d be hard pressed to see me even rock lip balm).  This, to me, is beautiful.  While some people might find some of what I listed as “flaws” I see them as beautiful pieces of ancestry passed down to me through a perfect genetic combination. 

ACTION:

It’s important for find things beautiful about you.  What you may see as flaws others may actually envy.  Don’t use the cover of magazines for your basis for what is beautiful.  Turn to yourself and find what YOU think is beautiful. 

Not only are physical characteristics important, but so are personality traits.  I pride myself on being an even tempered nonjudgmental person.  I know that I am a good person.

Being a good person who is honest with not only the world, but with themselves, helps rebel against society’s idea of beauty.  In that growing you begin to feel more confident in whom you are as a person and your place in this life. 

2.)    I Vote with My Dollars

Voting with our dollars is the act of choosing to spend or save on products or services based on principle or ideology.  For example, I like to see a lot of movies with an all women cast or movies with people of different colors and class.  Hollywood didn’t produce a lot of Black, Asian, or Latin movies for a very long time because they didn’t feel as though the dollars were there for production.  Therefore these cultures in American had to make their own way and show Hollywood Boulevard there is real money in these demographics.  In the last five year we have seen an explosion of movies and network TV shows starring African Americans, Hispanic, and Asian Americans.  When I see a beautiful Asian woman on a cover of a magazine, I purchase it. If Zoe Saldana is on the cover of Bazaar, I’m taking it home.  Yes, I shop at Victoria’s Secret.  Why?   Because the brand LOVES women of all shapes, sizes, and colors. I mean one of their current top models is the beautiful Adrianna Lima who loves that fact that she’s Afro-Brazilian.  Yes, I am spending money with a brand that believes in embracing all facets of beauty.

ACTION

I suggest voting with your dollars too.  That’s the only way these companies get it.  What drives your passion?  What do you believe in?  Then decide appropriately how to spend your discretionary income on those products and services.

3.)    Not Airbrushing Your Size Away

Lets’ admit it.  Some photographers’ Photoshop to the next level!  I mean it’s so bad that sometimes the person in the photo doesn’t even recognize themselves.  

I also feel as though over photoshopping someone sends the wrong message. It tells the women that you weren’t pretty in the first place so I’m going to slim your waist here, thighs there, resize your jawline and make your skin about 10 shades lighter.  By that time you look at your photo you are no longer seeing yourself.  You are seeing another person’s interpretation of beauty, not your own. 

At Wonderland Boudoir we only do light airbrushing.  If you have a pimple, or course we are going to edit it out.  That pimple is not part of that every day you.  If you’re skin is blotchy… of course we are going to color correct it, but no, If you’re a size 22 I’m not going to make you a size two.  I help women achieve their desired outcome by teaching them how to pose.  I even go one step further and after our boudoir session curate the best straight out of camera pictures of you and let you see the pictures pre-color correction.  You need to see that you are beautiful straight out of camera.  Woman love that because they see they are just as beautiful, if not more, than those “women on the magazine covers.”

4.)    Mentoring Young Women, Flaws are OK

Korin love the kids (you see what I did there, right?  Okay, my 90s Hip Hop heads get it).  Girls at an early age begin to depict why they aren’t as beautiful as the girl on the magazine cover.  What she doesn’t know is that the girl on the magazine cover has been HEAVILY edited (if not had body augmentation).   I love the current trend of young celebrities fighting back the magazines abuse of Photoshop.  Let’s be honest bigger breast, smaller waist, and lighter skin it’s always the right formula for “beautiful”.  These women are tired of selling a fantasy they can’t even keep up with.  When abused, Photoshop can be a tool used to uphold unrealistic and unhealthy standards of beauty.   As a world community, we need to teach our young girls that our flaws are characteristics that help us define and distinguish what makes us different and valuable.  How do we expect our young women to love themselves when the magazines are portraying a different story?  As Lady Gaga stated in her very public response to Glamour Magazine on over photoshopping her cover, “When the covers change, the culture changes.”

ACTION

If you have a daughter teach her the value of individuality and why it’s important to know the difference between an illusion (abuse of Photoshop to sell magazines) and reality.  If you don’t have a daughter volunteer at great organizations like Girls Inc or Headstart.  Young ladies love seeing beautiful and confident women who look just like them.  It helps install confidence and a sense of importance. 

“Let us be that change that we want to see in this world.” -Ghandi

Question: Let me know in the comments below what steps are you taking (or will be taking) to redefine beauty for you.

Giveaway: Boudoir Divas 1500 Book or Poses.  Share this Post on Facebook or Retweet on Twitter using the Hashtag  #RedefineBeautyChangeTheCovers

What is Boudoir?

Wonderland Boudoir is a high-end boudoir photography studio in Dallas, Texas.   We aim at providing fun, safe, and empowering sessions for every woman who walks through our door.  In January, as a vendor for Bridal Show Inc’s Dallas Bridal show, I met tons of women educating them on the fun and excitement of boudoir. In fact, I kept hearing this same thing over and over: “All I have been hearing about is ‘boudoir’!  What exactly is that and why does EVERYONE want to do it?!”

What Is Boudoir?

Boudoir once meant a room built to spend time with one’s husband. For Wonderland, boudoir means defining YOUR sense of sexiness and releasing your inhibitions.  Boudoir should be fun, safe, empowering, and liberating.  Your fantasies should be unlimited. Women have been blessed with beautiful, individual bodies; we should embrace and celebrate our natural beauty.

 Why Do Women take Boudoir Pictures?

Boudoir can be done for any number of reasons:

• Boudoir Presents for Him

Many women host sessions as a wedding gift for their future spouse.  Other popular reasons include anniversary gifts and Valentine’s Day presents.  Imagine giving your lover a collection of beautiful, one of a kind pictures for his eyes only. He'll be hard pressed to match that present!!

• Boudoir Present for You  

Boudoir sessions aren’t limited to gifts for that special someone in your life.  More importantly, boudoir sessions should be for you.  Many women have sessions for themselves as birthday presents.  Others have a session for body change reasons, like maternity photos or reaching your goal weight.  Have a session after you've run your first marathon or you've gone ice skating for the first time, so that you can celebrate all that your body does for you! Do a boudoir session to celebrate YOUR sexy! 

• A Boudoir Present for ALL

They are also great for bachelorette parties and a Girls' Night Out!  Yes, we do host boudoir parties (The Queens Court) for you and up to five of your closest girlfriends, for a fun filled day you won't forget!

Why Should I Have a Boudoir Session? 

First and foremost, a boudoir session should be done for you.  These sessions are fun, powerful, and liberating.  Feel like a celebrity and have a team pamper you with hair and makeup.  We then help you pick out the best outfits or lingerie for your desired outcome, and finally you get to do your session.  Wonderland Boudoir helps with posing and making sure you feel comfortable all the way through.   If for some reason you still feel tense, there is always champagne!

Feel Comfortable

We at Wonderland Boudoir know it is intimidating going into a room with a person you don’t know and sharing the most intimate parts of yourself, but there is nothing to be nervous about. We are a fun and understanding team that is here to support you during this session.  We help guide you through the process and teach you how to properly pose to help strengthen the beauty of your photos.  In almost all of the sessions, you will see me posing right along with you!

In Conclusion…

Take the leap and feel liberated by investing in a boudoir session. I have been photographing boudoir sessions for years, but I still LOVE the reactions when women see that they look like THAT GIRL in their photos.  

Be that girl.  Get that same feeling.  

Book a boudoir session.

To book or get more information on sessions, head over to the contact page and call or email! 

Question: Let me know in the comments below what some questions you have about boudoir sessions. Tell me about your fears and concerns. 

Giveaway:

Share this post on Facebook to qualify for a $40 gift card from Yandy.com!  Winners will be announced March 9th , 2015!

Face Your Fears, Always do what You’re Afraid to Do

“Always do what you’re afraid to do.”

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Happy Monday Y’all!  Every Monday I’m going to share with you a quote that I hope keeps you inspired and motivated through the week.  This week’s quote from American writer Ralph Waldo Emerson really resonated with me. 

“Always do what you’re afraid to do.”

This year I plan on scaring the shit out of myself.   I’m doing things I have always been too reserved to do because of what other people may think or say.  I no longer want to live my life by the approval of others.

 I plan I’m making fun YouTube videos and even doing a really sexy boudoir session with an amazing photographer on the West Coast.  I can’t wait to share those photos with you! 

I will no longer fear mistakes.  I mean what’s the point?  You’re going to end up making them regardless of how hard you tried to avoid them.  In my experience, the more I tried to avoid them… the bigger the mistake tended to be.    I’m going to embrace the mistakes I make and no longer be afraid of the potential consequences. 

If we stay complacent we will never grow.  We should constantly do things that challenge us because those challenges are what define us as people.  Fear isn’t a wall that stops us.  Fear is only a hurdle.  You can always clear that hurdle. 

Face your fears head on this week.

TELL US...

What is something you’re afraid to do?  What are you going to do to conquer this fear?

Today’s Giveaways?

Retweet this post and in the comment section below let us know what changes you are making to face your fears.  Please make sure to leave your twitter handle in the comment section! Winner announced March 9th, 2015.