SIX SHOTS: FEBRUARY 2014

boudoir, Houston Photography, Top Houston Bloggers, fashion, style, romance, relationships, love, chat, decor, Luxor Living and Style, Stephanie Sjoberg

1.  Boudoir

boudoir, Houston Photography, Top Houston Bloggers, fashion, style, romance, relationships, love, chat, decor, Luxor Living and Style, Stephanie Sjoberg, red corset, long dark hair, MUA, The Woodlands

2.  Valentine Shot

Stephanie Sjoberg, fashion blogger, Houston Stylist, tiger shirt, Agaci , fashion, Michael Kors, Old Town Spring

3.  Cool Cat


4.  Valentine

boudoir, Houston Photography, Top Houston Bloggers, fashion, style, romance, relationships, love, chat, decor, Luxor Living and Style, Stephanie Sjoberg, Dolce and Gabbana, sunglasses, white blonde hair, old town spring

5.  Gypsy Rose

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6. Just Business

     These are our favorite shots of the month!  Click on any of them in order to link to the related site, however, the Just Business one above links to my Instagram Account! I was resistant to Instagram at first, always trying to be a rebel, but I actually find it great fun to see other people’s up to the minute post sniplets. As for me, it’s great because sometimes a picture doesn’t make it to the blog and it’s more Instagram-appropriate and immediate!

-SDS

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SIX SHOTS: JANUARY 2014

SIX SHOTS

January two thousand fourteen


1. GLASSESUSA

     I totally love my new glasses from GlassesUSA and I am so impressed with how easy it is to order them online!  They are a sponsor, and I love finding great deals and sharing them with you! ( Also, I can see now, so that’s a life changer!) Check out the blog post for the details!


2. BROWS-A-GO-GO

     I ventured out of my comfort zone and decided to try something I’d previously thought would only serve to complicate my life…a new brow system.  I think the palette from Benefit is a must have!


3. MY BEAUTY COUTURE

     Crystal Trevino is a Houston based freelance makeup artist, stylist and nail guru!  She had asked me to take some pictures for her new website, www.mybeautycouture.com and we both loved the way they came out so these pictures were a high point for me this month!


4. BIRTHDAY SECRET

     I’d never before consciously realized that I hadn’t advertised my age on my blog!  It was a liberating moment. I am every woman, every age, every size. I have compassion for the young, and often misguided and the old and often bitter! I hoped my age wouldn’t bother people, which was stupid, because it doesn’t bother me, and I have close friends of all ages and we are truely all the same in so many ways. (Except for you ladies that don’t groom your eyebrows…I don’t get you and we are nothing alike, that’s insane!)


5. COLDNESS

     It has been crazy cold this month for Texas, and there hasn’t been much time for cute fashion blogs.  This was a miserably cold and windy day, and I had to do Apartment Locating work. My husband came with me so he could nag about my driving in the passenger seat…I mean, spend time with me, so we shot a few pictures of me looking a lot like Francisco Scavullo  (google him) for the blogpost, Coldness.

     


6. FIRST DAY of THE NEW YEAR

     This is totally an Instagram picture I took on New Year’s evening at dinner.  I got to use my new glammy gold bag, we chat about our goals for the new year, and made it home safely. It was a great start to what I hope will be a great year!

 

-SDS

-January 30, 2014

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TWO THOUSAND and THIRTEEN: TOP TWELVE SHOTS

two thousand thirteen
top 12 shots
Prada, Movado, Tiffany & Co, David Yurman, Stephanie Dawn Sjoberg, Houston , Photography, Top Blog, Luxor Living and Style Photography Blog, fashion, beauty, relationships,
 
 
     The year zipped by quickly.  What happened to the good old days that you see in movies in which people had time to sit around outside on the patio, drink tea and gossip?  I need time like that.
 
     There were a lot of photos taken for the blog… probably thousands, but these are the ones I am choosing to highlight.  
 
Prada, Michale Kors,  Movado, Tiffany & Co, David Yurman, Stephanie Dawn Sjoberg, Houston , Photography, Top Blog, Luxor Living and Style Photography Blog, fashion, beauty, relationships,
   If you click on each photo, it takes you to the original blog post to see more. I choose photos of people, since that is one of my passions.   If there is a photo of me, my husband took it, which is a miracle/fluke, but it’s included because he does help and when we are not rushing, it’s fun for us.
  
Prada, Michale Kors,  Movado, Tiffany & Co, David Yurman,  Chico's, Stephanie Dawn Sjoberg, Houston , Photography, Top Blog, Luxor Living and Style Photography Blog, top model, The Woodlands, fashion, beauty, relationships,
     I try to use other people at times, for the blog.  Although it my site, I try hard not to shove my grill front and center of every photo or post.  
 
     The blog is about beauty, fashion, relationships, travel, life and basically my vision of the universe and my passions.  It is not about me.
 
 
Prada, Michale Kors,  Movado, Tiffany & Co, David Yurman,  Chico's, Stephanie Dawn Sjoberg, Houston , Photography, Top Blog, Luxor Living and Style Photography Blog, top model, The Woodlands, fashion, beauty, relationships,
    I chose to include my shoot with Jennifer, because I am so proud of the make up artistry, styling of the shoot, photography and editing.  Not only that, she’s so nice and we had fun, and will be working together again.
 
 
Prada, Michale Kors,  Movado, Tiffany & Co, David Yurman,  Chico's, Stephanie Dawn Sjoberg, Houston , Photography, Top Blog, Luxor Living and Style Photography Blog, top model, The Woodlands, fashion, beauty, relationships,
    Photography helps to release a creative facet of myself, and to be able to style a shoot, and do all the cosmetics artistry and hair, is a plus.
 
     I love the photo of me and my husband above, because we were having a great night, going to dinner and a concert. I like how you can see us, but you can’t.  It’s more the idea of a couple that is portrayed.
 
 
Prada, Michale Kors,  Movado, Tiffany & Co, David Yurman,  Chico's, Stephanie Dawn Sjoberg, Houston , Photography, Top Blog, Luxor Living and Style Photography Blog, top model, The Woodlands, fashion, beauty, relationships, Old Town Spring photography
     I am an animal print lady.  I love my cheap, new hat in this, and I love that we are at a place we like to go together.  This picture is the true me.Throwing on a hat, lipstick, glasses and ear bobbles, and BAM!  
 
 
White dress,Cache dress,Prada, Michale Kors,  Movado, Tiffany & Co, David Yurman,  Chico's, Stephanie Dawn Sjoberg, Houston , Photography, Top Blog, Luxor Living and Style Photography Blog, top model, The Woodlands, Marilyn, fashion, beauty, relationships, Old Town Spring
     This was interesting.  Blogging the same look daily isn’t any fun, so it’s nice to step out a little.  It turned out sort of Marilyn.
 
Prada, Michale Kors,  Movado, Tiffany & Co, David Yurman,  Chico's, Stephanie Dawn Sjoberg, Houston , Photography, Top Blog, Luxor Living and Style Photography Blog, top model, The Woodlands, fashion, beauty, relationships, Laguna Beach, male model, actor, WWE, RAW
     It was a blast shooting Vinnie in Laguna Beach.  Click on the photo if you want to see more.  What I learned was that it is entirely different photographing men than it is women.
 
    They want to look good, but you don’t want to take away from the manliness by over softening with filters.  He’s a very masculine type guy, and I wanted to enhance that. His little pet Sabatino helps to show his sensitive side, however!
 
Prada, Michale Kors,  Movado, Tiffany & Co, David Yurman,  Chico's, Stephanie Dawn Sjoberg, Houston , Photography, Top Blog, Luxor Living and Style Photography Blog, top model, The Woodlands, fashion, beauty, relationships,
      The Perfectly Pradablog post was one of the first of the year.  This is the point I decided to just be myself, take pictures and create style how I want, and not try to meet typical expectations.
 
Prada, Michale Kors,  Movado, Tiffany & Co, David Yurman,  Chico's, Stephanie Dawn Sjoberg, Houston , Photography, Top Blog, Luxor Living and Style Photography Blog, top model, The Woodlands, fashion, beauty, relationships, KS Tennis, tennis lessons The Woodlands
     Mr Sjoberg of KS Tennismade a reluctant appearance for the blog, so I could further my photography portfolio experience with the male species.
 
Prada, Michale Kors,  Movado, Tiffany & Co, David Yurman,  Chico's, Stephanie Dawn Sjoberg, Houston , Photography, Top Blog, Luxor Living and Style Photography Blog, top model, The Woodlands, fashion, beauty, relationships,
     Full body shots are hard to shoot, when you’re an average person.  Sitting down usually doesn’t help matters either! However, it was a lovely Saturday night at church, it’s in focus, and did I mention I love animal printy things? It’s sort of a reserved jungle kitty look.  Fun.
 
Studio Gear Cosmetics, bblogger, make up, makeup artist, Prada, Michale Kors,  Movado, Tiffany & Co, David Yurman,  Chico's, Stephanie Dawn Sjoberg, Houston , Photography, Top Blog, Luxor Living and Style Photography Blog, top model, The Woodlands, fashion, beauty, relationships,
     Part of the fun of running your own blog venture, is the opportunity to work with various brands.  
 
     This shot was part of a Studio Gear Cosmetics post, and there will be more from them to come, but it’s so much more difficult than it looks to photograph makeup artistry, so I was glad they were pleased with the outcome.
 
     I have deals pending with other types of companies, a forthcoming book and can not wait to see what happens and where we are a year from now! Thanks so much for reader and follower support, and I wish everyone the best possible for 2014!
-SDS
-December 31, 2013
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SIX SHOTS: SEPTEMBER 2013

SIX SHOTS

September, two thousand and thirteen

Stephanie Sjoberg, Houston bloggers, fashion blog, makeup artist, Luxor Living and Style 

1. BA STAR

     The make up artist in me loves trying out new products, whether it’s one I purchase and test, or if a company sends me their products to try out and review.  This shot was taken for the BA STAR eye shadow review.  Again I say… I am just a random, imperfect person in the cold, cruel world. Flawed. Un-thin. Not terribly young.  So, to take a nice picture which highlights the product as opposed to the person, is an achievement!  (I love getting samples and doing reviews!)

     


 

2.  Jazzy Purse

     Showcasing my heart, my Jazzy.  It’s getting cool enough outside to start letting her tag along places, in her Jazzy purse, so she was with us for the Jazzy, MAC and Stripes blog post. The joy it brings her heart when you get the bag out of the closet and she first bum rushes you to try and hurry to jump in before she gets left behind…that’s what makes me happy.

     While it does freak her out a little bit to be showcased on the Internet, she is supportive of the blog, and willing to contribute her image, but of course, there will have to be arrangements on extra treats.


 

3.  Bird Sanctuary

     My husband shares my love for all of God’s little birds, so we make efforts to create a tiny sanctuary for whatever bird creatures show up.  There’s always water in the bird bath, bird houses ready for occupancy, and food.

    When I noticed a new bird’s next in our tree close to the bird bath, I climbed up on a ladder to inspect and see if there were eggs in it.  I felt terrible, like I was invading a personal space.  There were no eggs. I didn’t disturb it, I adored the construction and architecture briefly before climbing down.

    How one soul under the sun, is able to hear the birds sing, and not know immediately that there is a God and this is his world and his word is true…is beyond my comprehension.  I’ve noticed that when the birds start chirping early in the morning, it makes the morning and the thought of facing another day…more tolerable.


 

4. Vines

     As much as we go to Old Town Spring, I find it shocking that we keep finding new garden spots and various nooks and crannies to photograph at.  I was especially excited about this spot, since I am doing photography and make up for a girl next week, and this spot would be a perfect backdrop.


 

5. Viva La Juicy Noir Giveaway

     I wanted to include this cool shot of the Viva La Juicy Noir  giveaway!  Click the link if you want to enter to win the 3.4 bottle, or read this post to check out my review of the scent!

     For a blog, I feel it’s appropriate to use 95% all your original art, or else what are you really doing, but rehashing and regurgitating other people’s work?   The top blogs, are the ones that create their own sphere.


 

6. Pink & Black

     This website is partially fashion based, after many years in the business of retail marketing and sales. It’s who  am.  

     We were on our way to a special lunch together, and this is me, in my tiny world. For me, the blog posts are something we do together and plan. The funny thing, is that sometimes I can tell that he hates doing it on some days, but he does it anyway and pretends he likes it. This makes me a better person though, because when he wants me to do something for him or with him, I have days like this to refer to. We are here to help each other through life, be supportive and be friends or what purpose do you serve? Just my two cents.

-SDS

-September 30, 2013

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SIX SHOTS: August 2013

SIX SHOTS

august, two thousand and thirteen


one.

     We will call this shot…”Early Morning Love.” Look at his face! It’s as if he’s thinking, “Could we get some privacy please???”  Sorry, I couldn’t resist using this for my SIX SHOTS of the Month post.

Luxor Living and Style ,  Houston fashion blog, beauty blogger in Houston, super model, retro glam

 

two.

     This is Jennifer.  This was the first fashion shoot I’d ever created, and I love this photo from the Next American Supermodel post.  I’d dreamed of dabbling in fashion photography ever since I had the chance to meet Francesco Scavullo of Cosmopolitan fame, go to his New York Apartment and take part in a fashion shoot years ago. I met top New York make up artists, learned some things, was mesmerized by the huge photos of stars like Madonna that had adorned his loft. 

     So this is my Jennifer.  I did her make up, hair, styled the shoot and took the pictures. A little different than the 22 people working on a Scavullo shoot. I love that I didn’t have to crop out her waist, lengthen her arms, or distort her into an unattainable image for the rest of us to have to strive for. Completely overhauling body parts into cartoon-like imagery is nothing but graphic arts, not photography. This is just a nice girl in a pretty dress. She looks timeless yet retro glam. It could have been taken in 1988. It reminds me of all the old Scavullo Cosmopolitan Magazine covers.  

     

three.

     I just had to use this photo as well, of Jennifer in my Six Shots post. This one was used in the American Supermodel Photo Shoot Tips & Tricks blog post. It’s a great black and white photo to me and it makes me happy! Gone are the days of stiff, posed and cold photography!

Galveston Beach, Luxor, Stephanie Sjoberg, blog in Houston

 

four. 

     This beach shot is from the August in Galveston blog post. My husband took it.  He likes it. I like that he’s learning that my grill doesn’t have to be in every single shot on this blog. We had a blast. He got me out of the house and off the computer and the babies love to go somewhere and see and sniff…good memories.

 

 

five.

     Yes, another fun shot – from my cell phone no less, of our day at the beach! This was on my Instagram account but I wanted to use it here because it’s so hysterical.  Jazzy has crab cake remnants dripping from her chin, and Bella is looking confused as to why there are other dogs allowed in the dining area. She wasn’t sure if this was acceptable or not. I look like a super-diva nutty nut in my big floppy hat with my crazy little dogs.

KS TENNIS USA, Ken Sjoberg, Stephanie Sjoberg, tennis lessons in The Woodlands, Houston blogger, Luxor Living and Style,

 

six.

     Just a cell phone shot of two people taking a break from the grind and having a nice time.  I like this one, because the man on the boat who took out photo wasn’t able to focus much less get the Cincinnati skyline in the background, so this photo is totally imperfect and fun, which best sums up our lives and the Hola From Cincinnati blog post trip!

     And those are some of my top pix for August, 2013. I promise to take my “big girl” camera more often this next month and rock some hot shots!

 

-August 30, 2013

-SDS

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SIX SHOTS JULY OF TWO THOUSAND and THIRTEEN

SIX SHOTS

july of two thousand thirteen

Prada, Michael Kors, Six Shots, Luxor Living and Style, blogger, Texas, Houston, white blonde, The Woodlands, Old Town Spring

     July was hot. There were a lot of ups and downs. Things are not always easy. Or Fun. Or exciting. Some days are scheduled tight. I have friends that have a few social events every weeks with friends.  We get excited to have Movie Nights at home with the babies. Actually, on a Friday this month, we went to the movie theater around five, thinking we were going to avoid the masses.  We were wrong.  A theater full of other people had thought the same thing. 

    I guess I like to throw in the reality of life because it is not my intent to only post lovely pictures and pretend life is always fabulous.  There are things which require thought, planning and stress. These are the reasons why it’s so nice to get to steal time on occasion and do and share some things that are nice and positive and fun!

     The top photo of us was taken before dinner and a concert!( The Rock Girl Blog Post.) The weather was great, we were relaxed and happy and I really think it’s funny/trendy/cool that he is the “background” guy.

     The photo above is a bird bath in Old Town Spring which motivated me to continue with my yard plans.  It’s just been too hot and even the bamboo I planted is having difficulty surviving!  

     The post was called Blue Shoe. I could spend all day in Old Town Spring!

Luxor Living and Style, Animal Print, white blonde, hair, Stephanie Dawn Sjoberg, Luxor Living and Style , blog, blogger, fashion, Old Town Spring, Prada, Michael Kors, Hamilton bag

The photo above was from a different day in Old Town Spring. It was a very happy day. The “A Good Day, and YES…More Animal Print”  blog post only took a few minutes and we honestly, sat on the bench and talked. This was one of those fun blog posts…not like some of the ones where I have to explain how to use the focus button and consider quitting the style posts!

  I think the only thing that’s probably worse than getting your photo taken, is taking one of yourself for a blog post!  So I tell myself to be so grateful that I have a friend who likes to help!

The Woodlands Waterway

I adore introspective cranes, so I had to snap the one above at the Woodlands Waterway! He was just chillin.

Maybe it’s not terribly artsy, however, there is nothing that brings me more joy than to see Jazzy when she’s happy.  Nothing makes her happier than to be going somewhere in her “Jazzy Purse.”  She goes crazy when you get it out, and on this day she got to go to the local Farmer’s Market for berry picking.  I especially love the fact that my husband is man enough to carry a polka dot Jazzy bag! Love this shot!

 

And in closing…yes…it’s an Old Town Spring shot. It’s literally just a few minutes from where we live and we love it.  There are so many places there that I’ve not yet been to, like a wine tasting place, the dog bakery, tons of dress shops or garden places! It’s my happy place!

   And those are my Six Shots for July!

 

-July 31, 2013

-SDS

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