Winter Obsessions

I started this post yesterday... 

It finally rained (ok, sprinkled) today and I got to take out my Marc Jacobs umbrella to walk Aidan to school! Of course, Aidan saw all the flowers and immediately asked for his "cars" umbrella. As I walked him to school, I had on my morning sweat pants, a simple tee and a thin sweater. This is normal for our everyday California weather, but this morning was different...It was chilly, the weather has definitely changed and the air was nice and clean. I jumped as I saw slugs and worms on the ground, but all the while in my head I was thinking, What to wear tomorrow morning? The time has arrived for all my winter obsessions! 

Today... continues... 

The usual coat and scarf is always in need during this time of year. I'm going to Georgia next week and I have a sudden realization that I am actually not Winter ready... at least not for any other Winter but the California one. I am not ready for wind, rain or snow...  I'm a little worried I have to say. My solution.... is layering! I do have many ways to layer my current wardrobe pieces and perhaps even taking out those bulky sweaters that I stashed away. I love my fitted Calvin Klein tees so those are still a must have for my layering endeavors. I actually wore one out today with my boyfriend jeans and a bulky knitted sweater from HM.  Instead of the normal beanie, I will probably incorporate more winter scarves as headpieces. I'm on this current scarf headpiece frenzy so I need to find more creative ways of amping that up for the winter as well. I'm excited! 

Here are some must haves that I am going to be seeking for... I hope you have a great Winter and enjoy it because it's going to pass us by way too fast...  Have a great weekend my friends! 

By the way, I currently obsessed with the new Zara 2013 Winter Collection!.. especially the mens!  

Allure Magazine Scarf and Trapper Hat

Happy Winter!

The Circle of Events Experience

I don't usually blog about a job because although I love what I do, it's still a job.  After working with Circle of Events on their 2013 Campaign, I had to blog about the lovely lady behind the name.

If you aren't married, you'd want to be after being around Susan, the owner and wedding consultant for Circle of Events.  This young and bright entrepreneur glows with passion and works like there's no tomorrow.   I had the opportunity to witness how this project blossomed from a casual conversation to actually booking the shoot, casting and finally styling the campaign. It seems like a blur now but the experience in itself was nothing less then perfection.

I've known Susan for awhile but to experience the wedding consultant, was a different story.  Susan exudes professionalism, compassion, emotion, sensitivity, and true love for what she does.  Even with a hundred things on her plate, her first priority was always on personnel. She was genuine in making sure we were happy, fed, and as eager to be part of this project as she was. She never once doubted the project or complained that it was too much work.  She listened, learned, gave inputs and ultimately made very important decisions.  She worked hard using the very best of her resources to ensure this project would be the best it could be.  Our crew consisted of individuals from Montana, LA to the Central Valley. This is the work of one hard working lady that we all loved so much.

The casting and shoot went great. Like all projects, there were obstacles in the way but there's nothing this lovely lady couldn't handle. Not only was she the client but she was also the Creative Director who knew exactly what she wanted. I watched as she did what she does best by running around town to meet with her clients one by one all the while still working on other projects consecutively.

Susan is a Destination Consultant so if you need someone who truly is invested in you with that extra touch of care, then Circle of Events is your final destination.  It's a one stop shop and this leading lady will become family because that's her number one motto... Treating you like family and taking care of your every need in the only way she knows how... with professionalism, commitment and her whole heart... with a cherry on top!

Call Susan for a consultation for your wedding or event.  Let her turn your wedding fantasies into a dream come true! If anything, you just have to meet her! Your life will be so much better because of it!

Susan: www.circleofeventsbysusan.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/circleofevents


****** THESE ARE SOME BEHIND THE SCENES FROM THE COE 2013 CAMPAIGN SHOOT *******


Photographer: Youa Vang of Youa Photography 

Lastly, I also wanted to take this time to thank my personal team, Amy and Alana, for everything you did. I couldn't have done this without you both. Thanks to Sandy, Susan's personal assistant for everything you did. You always go over and beyond what you do, which speaks a lot about who you are working for. To Youa, our amazing photographer who always kept everything so fun and exciting. You truly are great at what you do and have an eye for nothing but the best. To the models: Some of you modeled for the first time and wow, you truly blew us away! Thank you for being so professional, respectful and humble throughout the whole project. You made our jobs so much easier. We walked away with new friendships for a lifetime. To our beautiful hair and makeup team: You guys rocked! Thank you so much for your love and creativity. To Dong of My Decor, your work is impeccable and speaks for itself. You are a secret gem hidden in the Central Valley, ready to spread your wings! I say go for it! 

To Phillip and Cherpeek... Thank you for your kind hearts, your creative eyes and all around patience. We look forward to seeing your art as well and to many more future projects together! 

If you would like to be the next bride(s) or groom(s) for the next Circle of Events campaign, make sure you add her on Facebook! (Circle of Events on Facebook)

Til the next COE event..... Thanks for joining me on this venture. 

My Fashion Show Production

Thanks to Youa Vang and Berduction for this amazing video from the Fashion Show I produced for HMF.

I had an amazing time and I can't wait to produce for HMF again and again and again!

HMF Rock Meets Runway!

Circle of Events Photoshoot....

I've been working with Susan, the owner, wedding and event planner of Circle of Events for her 2013 Bridal Campaign.  We've had a great time with casting, scouting and finding the perfect pairing to represent the all american wedding parties. We picked the perfect couples, completed fittings and are now working on our mood boards this week.  We have so many amazing vendors involved as well who are going to make these 4 lovely couple's "generic" wedding bliss come true.  The sets are so adorable, it makes me wish someone WAS actually getting married. Decor will be by the amazing Dong, owner of "My Decor" and photography will be done by the lovely Youa Vang, destination wedding photographer from Montana. We truly have people flying from all over the states to be part of this shoot.

We will be shooting plenty of behind the scenes on the day of the shoot (November 7th) so make sure you tune into my facebook page for on set behind the scene photos!

Circle of Events Casting Call....

Sheng Moua Productions (SMP) is honored to be working with Circle of Events as the main Casting Director and Fashion Director for their first Ad Campaign.  Susan Vang-Xiong is the owner and founder of Circle of Events.  Susan is a wedding and event planner, among a great vast of other things she does for the community. Not only is she great at what she does, but she pours her heart into anything she touches, creating your ultimate fantasy weddings.  Passion is her driver and the outcome of Circle of Events is proof of how this lovely lady has made her dream come true. Susan has a way of making every bride feel as if she's on top of the world. This is the bride's greatest moment and she understands how important this day is. She goes over and beyond and puts her personal touches on everything to ensure the bride has the most unique and one of a kind experience ever. Although COE is based out of the Central Valley, Susan is also a destination wedding planner. She will travel anywhere her bride and groom needs her.   

We are going to be casting for the very first Circle of Events (COE) wedding ensemble.  You will be the face(s) of COE representing the everyday American bridal party.  The campaign will be used for the website and several other promotional purposes.  

The casting call for COE's first styled bridal shoot will be this Sunday Oct 14, 2012.  

See casting information below:

*****************MODEL CASTING***************

SEEKING BOTH MALE AND FEMALE MODELS: 

BRIDES, GROOMS, BRIDAL PARTY with lots of personality! 

Casting Date: Sunday, Oct 14, 2012

Time: 12noon-3pm 

City: Fresno, CA

Location: The Fresno Ballroom (SEE INFO BELOW)

Rate: TFP (Trade/Time for print) with a CD of images for your portfolio

Photo Shoot Date: Wednesday Nov 7, 2012

FEMALE: Wear a dress, heels and come with natural or no makeup. 

MALE: Come dressed nicely with a tie or bow tie. Suit jacket is optional. 

NEWLY ENGAGED COUPLES ARE WELCOMED! 

Models: Experience preferred but not necessary.

Age: Must be 16 and over and will need a signed parent consent if selected for the shoot.

****************************************************

We are looking for different ethnicity and a specific number of people to represent different concepts of the everyday bridal party. 

If you or you know of anyone who is interested, please share this information and we will see you on the 14th!

See you all soon

http://www.circleofeventsbysusan.com/

https://www.facebook.com/circleofevents
 — with Susan Vang-Xiong.

**********************************************

Q & A

1.  What should I wear? 

Ladies: wear a simple dress of your choice so you'll feel feminine and romantic. 
A formal dress is not necessary. Wear heels (stay away from wedges if possible) and very little or no makeup. 

Men: Dress nice. bring or wear a tie and a jacket is optional. 

2.  What should I bring? 

Nothing. Just come as you are. 

3.  Is there an application that I need to fill out? 

There will be one supplied for you at the casting. Please know your measurements. Measuring tape will be supplied on set if you don't know them. 

4.  Is there a specific height or body requirement? 

No. We are looking forward to see everyone! If you are a newly engaged couple, please come together. We like real chemistry! :) 

5.  Do I have to have experience? 

If you've taken photos in front of a camera then you qualify. 

6.  Can I take a friend? 

Please do not bring anyone who will not be participating in the casting call. If you do, please ask them to wait outside. 

7.  How long will the casting be? 

The casting call is between 12 noon til 3pm. It's first come, first serve so be prepared to wait if there's others waiting in front of you. 

8.  November 7th is a Wednesday? 

Yes, the shoot will be on a Wednesday because we are working with other clients who are catering to weddings on the weekends so the weekdays are our only option. 

9.  Do I have to bring a portfolio? 

If you have one, please bring it, but not necessary 

10.  Do I have to bring a headshot? 

If you have one, please bring it, but not necessary 

11.  What if I'm under 18 years old? 

You must be at least 16 years old.  You can still come to the casting call but if you are selected, you must provide a signed parent consent form. 

12.  What is TFP? 

TFP stands for Time or Trade for Print.  This means that the client's compensation for this specific project is exactly that.  Your time for prints of your finish images that you will be able to use for your portfolio or reprint for your personal use. 

13.  Will I have to sign a Model Release Form? 

Yes

****************************************************

If this is your first Casting Call, please don't worry about anything. It's a very fun process and a great way for us to meet.  There's a first for everything so just come with an open mind and have fun! 

See you at the casting my friends.. and just be yourself! 

************************************

Fall Boldness with a touch of sunshine

Fall Boldness with a touch of sunshine by sheng-moua featuring yellow gold jewelry

What do you care about? "Carelets" for a cause..

This post is very near and dear to my heart because it hits very close to home.  Almost 2 years ago, my husband's younger brother, Gary found out that he had Ulcerative Colitis (UC).  The symptoms leading to the diagnosis were very scary and an experience that no one should ever have to experience.  It was scary because the unknown is scary.  As time went by, Gary slowly learned more about UC and became more aware and educated about what it is he is now living with.  I'm sure it's something that a lot of people are currently living with or is battling today. I myself have never heard of UC before so it was also something very new to me. My husband and I had to research and educate ourselves about it because it's now apart of our lives as well.

As you can see below in Gary's story, he talks about his journey and what he's been going through thus far. His Facebook page (IC4UC) talks more about his story and the things he's doing to bring awareness to UC. I have to say that he a lot stronger today and slowly gaining his weight back. Gary has always been the most kindhearted, thoughtful and loving person I know. Having UC hasn't changed him because although he was scared, it has given him a new sense of confidence, a new way of life and a voice to step up and fight for something that no one would have been prepared for. Having UC doesn't characterize who he is, it just gives him a platform to educate and bring awareness to everyone living in fear or the unknown "scary" as I used to call it. Don't be scared, join Gary and his team as we walk, fundraise and share the love of Gary and many other's stories on living with Chrohns and Colitis.

Join Gary and his team (Team Care) as we help raise funds for Chrohns and Colitis. There's a few different things you can do to help out.  You can donate to his fundraiser, join us Take Steps and Be Heard For Crohns and Colitis walk on Oct 13th or help purchase some carelets that he and his wife worked so hard on to help raise money.  Please visit his page on Facebook for more information.

__________________________________________

Gary's Story:

A year and 7 months ago when suddenly I couldn't leave my bathroom, I found out I have Ulcerative Colitis (UC). I remember feeling like I hit a brick wall when my doctor diagnosed me with this Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that I knew nothing about. I was angry and confused; I had so many questions. What is UC, what did I do wrong to lead to this, how will I deal with the constant bathroom runs and the pain?

After countless visits to different doctors and specialists along with enduring multiple tests and going on my own to do research and volunteering to participate in national conference calls and local researches, I can say that things have finally started turning around for me. For one, I'm definitely much more aware of this disease now, hence allowing me to be much more positive. I'm also finally not on heavy medication, my bowel movements have decreased from 10 times a day to 3-4 times, and my severe cramps and night sweats are also gone.

I anticipate that I will have my occasional not so good days, but for now I am celebrating progress in my health. On October 13th, I will be walking in the Take Steps for Crohn’s & Colitis Walk at Fresno's Woodward Park and it would mean a lot if you could join me that day or find other ways to participate and support me. Take Steps for Crohn's and Colitis is the nation’s largest event dedicated to raising funds to find cures for digestive diseases like UC. I'm 1 of the 1.4 million patients across the country that suffer from this disease and Crohn's, so it's very important to me that we care and take action today. It's my personal goal to raise as much money as I can for this worthy cause and I know with your help, I can do that.

I will begin to post unto my page the different ways you can get involve and support me.

Thank you in advance for jumping on my "CARE" band wagon and making a difference! Together we will continue funding important research and raise awareness of diseases that affect millions of people.

IC4UC! -- (I CARE 4 ULCERATIVE COLITIS)!

Gary

** A word from Gary and Susan regarding "Carelets" 

We are kicking off our Carelets Sales to benefit CCFA starting tonight! To place your order, please email us at info@carelets.org. Indicate the Carelet Item# that you would like to order along with the quantity and your wrist size. For those who are ordering Carelets with Chains, please include an additional measurement of the width of your palm (measure from index to pinky!) Please include shipping address. Payment will then be processed through Pay Pal. Shipping is included! 
Here we go!!! We officially welcome you all to our Circle of Care!

___________________________________

* What do you care about?

I care about self acceptance. I struggled with loving and accepting who I was my entire life.  Only recently did I finally accept myself for who I am. I can now honestly say that I love myself and I do not wish to change anything about the person I've become.

Join me and Team Care bring awareness and raise funds to help with Chrohns and Colities. Don't forget to purchase your carelets!

What do you care about? Care, Wear and Share what you care about!

Thank you! 

For more information on Crohns and Colitis go to their website.