Follow Your Forte

Day Trips

Dominique — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:41:40 +0000

I work in an office. In a tiny grey cube. I do important work, but it does get monotonous. I wanted to share with you one of the secret ways I recapture a sense of wonder under the florescent light.

One of my fellow coworkers collects the Starbucks city mugs. We have a bunch of random mugs in our office, but about 20 or so of the city mugs. Each morning I look past the random camp, school, and other printed ones and choose a location. As I brew an espresso I take a vacation to whatever city is on the city mug. Sure, this might seem a little childish and ridiculous, but it works. It’s a secret I carry around with me all day while I watch people work. It restores my sense of adventure and it reminds me that I am part of a world much bigger than this tiny cube.

Today, I am going to London. I am walking the streets with Brooke, Sunny, Kristen, Gary and Stu. I am walking around in Camden and having brunch in Notting Hill. I’m remembering the feeling of awe I had when I saw the parliament building for the first time and I’m feeling all together free, because even though I am choosing to stay inside these four walls I am part of a life outside of that. And for today, that is enough to get me by. Buy a mug and take a vacation.

Cambria

Costco Flowers

Dominique — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 07:25:08 +0000

Sometimes I go looking for inspiration in all the wrong places. I used to think that in order to be inspired it meant I needed to search for something super deep or meaningful or hidden. And sometimes I do find little gems in the corners of the world, but often times I’m surprised by places I run into beautiful things. Today, I had to go to Costco to grab toilet paper and laudry soap and as I was on my way to the check out counter I spotted several bouquets of colorful flowers. They were wonderful… it was a great time to pause and enjoy their beauty.

<3 Dominique

Counting Crows

Dominique — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:43:40 +0000

I’m super old school. I don’t know why I just said that… I don’t even know what super old school means, but what I meant was while Counting Crows maybe “old school” they are still amazing. They are one of my favorite, favorite bands. Their songs are so poetic and beautiful. The singer, Adam Duritz, is a great performer. This past Monday, Chance and I went to see them (because I made my him promise me he had to take me to a good concert before I pop this baby out). This was my second time seeing them live… and they were just as great as the first time when I went to their concert in Marysville. I think it was Chance’s like… 5th time?? Anyway, I thought I’d share one of my favorite songs with you. It was the last song they sang Monday night and there’s something about the piano and hermonica that’s so moving. Let me know what you think. In the meantime… if you’re not familar with Counting Crows, check out some of their songs online!

<3 Dominique

Stage Works Fresno

Dominique — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:24:53 +0000

I’m super excited to bring you yet another FYF video! I spoke with Joel from Stageworks Fresno not too long ago. Give our vid a peek and be sure to “like” them on FB!

<3 Dominique

James Nares

Dominique — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:11:25 +0000

I stumbled upon James Nares work and I was blown away. It’s incredibly moving and I hope it does something to you like it’s done to me.

<3 Cambria

Last Minutes with ODEN

Dominique — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 05:31:35 +0000

I tried to start this website many times… literally. I think the first time I bought this domain name was in 2008. And one of my visions for the site was to bring inspiring and moving things to one place. I love the idea of art changing someone. And film is one of my favorite forms of art. This video is so incredible. I actually had another post planned for today, but my friend Josh Glaze was kind enough to share something with me earlier this morning and it moved me to tears– I knew I had to share it here immediately.

I think there are many powerful meanings behind this 6 minute video, but one of the biggest is the power of love. And love can do incredible things.

Enjoy and let’s not forget how love and kindness can enhance someone’s life and bring tremendous healing.

<3 Dominique

Directed By: Eliot Rausch

Makeup Your Mind

Dominique — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 23:27:21 +0000

That’s a pic of my makeup brushes. I’m a little obsessed. Yes, I like pictures of makeup and makeup tools. I could look at makeup all day and smell lipstick all night long. I know, weird.

I’m really excited for this new venture of mine. When I was little–seriously ever since I can remember, I was obsessed with makeup. My family called me their “Makeup Queen.” I would ask for lipstick and chapstick for my birthday. I had every single little girl compact set imaginable. Remember those? The ones with the fairy stickers on them? Anyway, I was in love with makeup-and making things beautiful… even if it was my baby brother (Yea, my dad caught me… he took away my makeup for a week!).

Anyway, I’ve always wanted to be a makeup artist. It’s something that I’ve always pictured myself doing, but the older I got, the more aware I was with my insecurities. I’d think, “I could NEVER do that. What would people think of me? A makeup artist for a living? No one would take me seriously.” So even though I always loved the idea, I didn’t talk about it much. And I didn’t do much about it. It wasn’t until after I went to college, got married and started a business with my husband when I thought about pursuing my dream job. I had always done makeup for my family and friends, so why don’t I see if I can get certified for it? As time went on I thought, “What am I doing?! Why am I not doing what I want to do?!”

So about a month ago I signed up to become a certified makeup artist. The class is at the end of August in Newport Beach and I cannot be more thrilled. I told my husband that I don’t care if I make a dime at this, as long as I’m able to do it and there’s still food on our table this is what I want to do.

After my class, I plan to shadow my friend who is an amazing makeup artist here in Fresno. He’s seriously awesome and he’s all about me assisting him. I just want to keep learning as much as I can.

I’ve been reading some makeup books for tips and tricks recently as well as following my new favorite beauty blog… Sunnie Brook. This girl is genius makeup/hair artist. She posts “how-to” videos as well as tips for making your skin and hair its best. I’ve been checking this site everyday.

I’m also thrilled to say that I’m doing my cousin’s wedding makeup! We had the trial run this past week and it went awesome. I can’t wait! EEEEE!!! This is so fun, you guys!

Do you dream in lipstick color?
Wish me luck!

<3 Dominique

Chaise

Dominique — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 22:20:04 +0000

Chaise Your Dreams

Photo Via Deisgn Sponge

<3 Dominique

Inspiration: Karl Lagerfeld

Dominique — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:36:12 +0000

Ever wonder what inspires the mastermind behind the famous Chanel brand? Apparently it’s his hard bound drug. What inspires you? Image found on Tumblr.

<3 Cambria

The Anthropologist: Wisdom

Dominique — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 17:57:26 +0000

Anthropologie is the center of all things lovely. It’s the ching. I mean really, they can do no wrong. The world is a flutter with the opening of BHLDN, but my favorite Anthropologie off shoot is The Anthropologist. This site is devoted to the stories of the artists that they carry or that inspire them. I’m absolutely obsessed. One of my favorites was a piece they did on Andrew Zuckerman. Here’s a portion of his video called Wisdom. It’s an amazing project. If it doesn’t inspire you, you may not be alive.

Check it out here: Wisdom

<3 Cambria