Christmas Wishlist
Every year I create my Christmas wishlist and I usually get at least 1-2 items on it. I say 1 or 2 items because I like expensive things such as luxury designer accessories and technology products. Every year, my list seems to get longer, maybe because I spend alot of time searching for things online.
This year, I had the option of a luxury designer bag or technology product. Although I had lost some cash trying to payoff the designer bag, I opted out for a digital camera. I didnt plan on getting the Canon dslr camera ( i really wanted the Sony A6000 mirrorless camera) but the deal was too good and I wanted to start taking photos and posting them on my many websites. I was so happy because my camera arrived on Christmas eve December 24 and I got to open it on Christmas morning. I wanted to start using the camera right away but of course I couldnt until the battery was charged. I was able to use it in a few hours and test it out. The cool thing about it was I could link my camera thru the Canon app on my iphone. I’ve been researching on google and pinterest for tutorials and know the camera’s function. I’ve still got to learn more about photography and video, but I am always excited to learn those types of things because I am the creating it from my vision.
I also decided to create a site for me and my oldest daughter, Angel to share to the world our visual arts in photography, video, etc. It is nice to know that my daughter have so many things in common, we both like music, writing, photography and dancing. The new site is AJ7Screative.com and I also got a good deal on Godaddy.com for my new domain. (GET30OFF promo code)
Overall, this was a good Christmas this year because I got the things I wished for. I hope in the near future, I will be able to go to Maui, Hawaii for Christmas because its been 11 years since I went home for the holidays.
Passion for Photography
Have you ever thought you can make a living doing something you love and enjoy? Something that can also be evergreen? Evergreen, what’s that? The first time I heard that term was when I listened to all these entrepreneur podcasts on my iPhone. I would say anything in the arts is usually evergreen but most are in photography and video, because theres so many people out there that always want to learn those types of art and technology is always growing and improving.
I’ve always loved art since I was kid, but it was when I went to college when I was inspired to do graphic design and photography. It was a passion of mine back then and still is. Everytime I tried to go and do other things, it always lead me back to those types of art. It just comes natural to me. I have so many ideas and designs that most people will never see, but I have put some out there for the world to see. Check out my very first online portfolio here: http://7sdesigns.carbonmade.com
There’s so many places online to make a living off photography and graphic design. One of the sites I recently came across, I actually signed up a year and half ago was Minted.com photographer program, but you know, life happens and I got distracted and totally forgot about it. Well I’m finally starting to go back to it since I am feeling inspired and creative lately.
This program is awesome and if you’re into photography and graphic design, I highly recommend. http://Minted.com I haven’t tried any of the design challenges yet but I will soon. The prizes for the winners are cash and who doesn’t like cash and also your design gets featured on their site to sell and make more cash.
Please check out my store.http://aj7sdesigns.minted.com for holiday cards, special events like wedding invitations, birthdays and announcements.
10 Places to visit while you’re on Maui
I was born and raised in Maui. I grew up on the island with my family. I left the island lifestyle which some people call “Paradise” in 2007 to explore the city life and start a new life with my family of my own.
Anyways, enough about me. So you’re going to Maui and you’re wondering what to do, where to go, where to eat? Well, I have a great list for you and I hope you can at least go to a couple of them while you’re there.
- Haleakala- This is a must to do on your list. I dont know when you will ever get to experience being above the clouds and seeing the sunrise. I’ve been here a few times, but I enjoyed the experience alot more when I was older.
Tips: You do need to get up early before dawn and depending where you’re staying, it can be a long drive about 2-4 hours if you want to see the morning sunrise. - Da Kitchen – One of the best local restaurants in town. All I can remember was the food was affordable and very tasty. An entree plate could feed 2-3 adults.
- Beaches in Kihei- the best beaches on the South side, maybe because I used to live in that area. Anytime of day is always best to go, but my favorite is just before sunsets. I love Sunsets!
- Lahaina – definitely a tourist attraction, you can walk along the street with ocean views, lots of shops, and restaurants.
- Attend a luau show – I’m not exactly what show is the best, but just attending one at the hotel is definitely a great experience. You get to dine great food outdoors with an ocean view, great weather and an amazing show of the Hawaiian culture.
- Iao Valley – This is a tourist spot because of its green scenery, waterfalls, hiking trails. Also it is a local area where I did have some memories with friends and family just having a barbecue.
- Road to Hana – This a long drive and a narrow one too. I’ve done it a couple of times, but I get carsick so if you are those type of people who do get carsick, you may not want to go or you could take an over the counter medicine to help.
- Shopping – I love to shop more than you know, but one thing I do when I travel is I like to get a few souvenirs when I travel out. Its usually a good memory to have other than in your mind.
- Sunset Dinner Cruise – If you love the ocean, the sunset and food, this is definitely a must to do on your list.
Tip: Check the weather forecast if its cloudy or windy. You definitely dont want it to rain while having dinner. - Water activities such as snorkeling, surfing and parasailing. I personally have not experienced any of these but I’m sure alot of you would want to do these things. These are on my bucketlist on my next trip back home to the islands.General Tips:
Bring lots of sunscreen
A pair of Flip flops
Sunglasses and or Hat
SwimwearThe best time to visit is pretty much anytime of year. The weather is usually in the 80s.
I hope you’ll enjoy your trip to Maui and also have a chance to experience the other islands. It’s truly a beautiful place to be in and very relaxing.
7Sdesigns
The first online business I created was 7Sdesigns.co
I contemplated on what I wanted to build. I wanted to incorporate all the things I enjoyed the most which was my graphic designs and fashion, so 7SDESIGNS was born.
After a year or so, I made some major changes and you can find more information below.
You will find some of my graphic designs, web designs, social media templates and photography and video on my new wesbite at AJ7SCREATIVE.com
10 Things to Pack for Vegas
I’ve been in Las Vegas since January 2007, almost 12 years and I can’t say I love it here because I like to live where there is a beach. I think it’s alright to live here, but I think if you’re just visiting, you will definitely enjoy it. I first came to Vegas when I was 21 and it was like WOW! All the lights, casinos, shows and especially the food. It was awesome and I got experience with my loved ones which made the trip better.
I didn’t really know what to pack when I first came to Vegas, but it really depends on the season you come to visit. Lately, the heat has been staying longer from April - October. That is six months of heat. It tends to be cold or hot in April, but otherwise, it’s warm and then extremely hot 100+ in June -September.
- Lip Balm - Its really dry here and you definitely need that lip balm everywhere you go.
- If you’re coming during April - October. I would definitely bring 1 light jacket or 1 long sleeve, the rest should be shorts, short sleeve tops, tank tops, flip flops and sneakers for walking.
- If you’re coming during November - March. I would definitely bring jackets, long sleeves, maybe a scarf and boots.
- For the girls - crossbody or messenger style bag for easy on the go when shopping and or walking around the strip.
- If you plan to go clubs, Ladies - nice dress and heels ; Men - nice button down shirt, jeans and dress shoes. Boots are not accepted.
- Camera/Video - Although our smartphone can take awesome pics/video, sometimes a better camera/video can be better if your like me. I love to take high quality pictures and video so I can showcase them online and print them.
- Of course - your toiletries - toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, perfume/cologne. I do like to bring my own shampoo/conditioner in travel size because I am really selective when it comes to my hair.
- Lotion because its really dry. I mean it.. It is really, really dry here. Vegas is the dessert. When I was in Hawaii, I rarely put lotion, but when I moved here. It’s definitely a must.
- Sunglasses or a Hat - I have to wear sunglasses everyday because I am always out everyday. The sun is hot and you definitely want to protect your eyes.
- Sunscreen - Look for a makeup or lotion that has sunscreen protection. Especially when you go out during the summer.
I know there’s a lot more, but I’ll keep this list to ten items.
I hope you enjoyed this post and please feel free to leave any comments or email me.
Enjoy your visit to Vegas! The best time to visit is April or October.