R-Town: "Start Living Your Life Fearlessly" - Fleur De Lis

"Dream Bold Dreams"…"There is only one happiness in life.  To be loved and to love"…"All Because Two People Drank Wine" and one of my personal favorites, "You are my happy".  These are some of the sayings you will see when you walk into Fleur De Lis, (located at 104 E. State Street, Suite K, Redlands, CA.).  When I walked in to meet with Monika De La Paz, the adorable and full-of-life owner, I was greeted by two special "employees", Fiona and Spanky.  They were all decked out for the interview and photos.  I immediately put my things down and plopped down on the floor to greet them back.  I even got an extra special "kiss" from Spanky.  As I wiped my mouth, laughing because I know better than to be at dog level with my teeth exposed, I was also greeted by Christine, Monika's mother-in-law, who is very sweet.  I snapped a few shots of Monika's amazing boutique (which I frequent, to buy various birthday presents for friends) and was able to see some of her new merchandise.  

As Monika came out from the back, she greeted me with her infectious smile, and her personality is so warming and loving, you just can't help to instantly be in a good mood!  Brookie and I will stop by to just say "hi" sometimes because going into her boutique will always put smiles on our faces!  "Bonjour Stephany" she says in her best French accent!  She already has me laughing!  

We sit down on a set of beautiful pale blue and gold chairs that definitely look French inspired.    The dogs follow us and are just as much a part of the interview!

SF:  What inspired Fleur De Lis, the store?
MDLP:  Truly, a lot of prayer and faith, and trying to figure out what I was going to do.  I had an "A-HA" moment three years ago when I was getting a facial by the esthetician who was renting the last location Fleur De Lis was, on Cajon Street.  I saw a For Rent sign and as I was getting my last facial I thought, "how cute would this be as an interior design studio and a boutique!"  And literally…I want to say that was December 15th, 2010, and I got the keys to my store 3 weeks later!  
SF:  That's fast!  What did you do before being a business owner?

MDLP: I worked in Pharmaceuticals for 14 years, and my last year working for the company I went to Interior Design School, but I didn't know what I was going to do.  I knew I didn't want to do Pharmaceuticals, I didn't want to work for Corporate America, I was sick of traveling, and I just knew it wasn't for me.  I literally got on my knees and prayed...and I'm more of a creative, and I knew that I had to do something in the creative field.
SF:  And now you have this fabulous boutique AND you are an interior decorator for hire!  You have the best of both worlds!
SF:  I love that you bring your dogs to the store!  Does anyone ever have a problem with them?
MDLP:  No, everybody loves the dogs!  In fact, people would come to the store JUST to visit my dogs!  People have been great about them, and both my landlords have been great about them.  They were the King and Queen of Cajon, and now they will be the King and Queen of State Street!  
SF: What is your favorite item in your store, right now?

Monika's favorite item!

MDLP:  The customized plaques!  It's great that you are able to put your business name on them, a bible verse, a quote, you can specialize them with someone's name, or wedding invitation, or customize it to say "Stephany, always kiss me goodnight" (for example).  So I LOVE the customized plaques, and so does everyone else!  
SF:  One of my favorite products is the TokyoMilk lotion!  It smells insanely good and makes your hands feel so smooth!  
SF:  So think of all the jobs you've had in your life, what is the weirdest job you've ever had?
MDLP:  I got hired at Olive Garden in Orange County when I was in college , and I thought I would be a hostess or a waitress.  But back then, they used to have the pasta makers with the hat's that were about 20 feet high, and you would literally be out there making pasta! And that's what they hired me to do!  All you were doing was turning the handle to make the pasta!  I only lasted a couple days because I thought, I'm NOT doing this job!  
SF:  Roller Coasters.  Love them or hate them?
MDLP:  LOVE THEM!!  
SF:  You do?!  You're a thrill seeker?
MDLP:  Oh yah!  
SF:  What's your favorite roller coaster?
MDLP:  I forget the name of it, but it's at Magic Mountain.  I think it's called X.  I usually freak out, but my sister taught me (in everything) it's mind over matter. 
SF:  Growing up, you probably didn't think about owning a boutique store on State Street.  What did you want to do, or be?
MDLP:  Umm…I always thought I wanted to be a lawyer.  I'm the youngest of 5 girls, so I always had to fight for my right, and I'm also Italian and Hispanic.  
SF:  Italian…woo hoo!  and De La Paz, that's actually or maiden name, correct?

Steph's favorite item!

MDLP:  Yes, as the youngest of 5 girls, I wanted to keep my name because it won't be passed along.  And my husband is so doggone easy going, he didn't mind.
SF:  I think I'm going to guess that you would answer YES to my next question.  Have you ever had a secret admirer?
MDLP:  I've been stalked before…but I don't really know if that counts as a secret admirer.
SF:  I just think you are so beautiful and so fun and full of life, that I would think you would have had a secret admirer.  
SF:  Finish this sentence.  I could beat anyone at……?
MDLP:  Talking!  because I'm a non-stop talker, and I can go and go and go and go…
SF:  Tell me something interesting about yourself that maybe people don't know about you.
MDLP:  I love to Karaoke!
SF:  Oh I saw a post on FB with you singing and dancing in the rain!  Someone even said you missed your calling.  Do you think you missed your calling?
MDLP:  Everytime I go to a Broadway musical I watch and think "oh I would love to do that".  I'm thinking I might do a community theater.
SF:  OH!!  So we might be seeing you at Footlighters or somewhere like that?
MDLP:  Yah!  I mean I'd like to…we'll see.  You know what I could beat anyone at.  Is improv!  My sisters and I all did Improv Night and I was the funniest!  
SF:  You're quick witted?
MDLP:  Yes, quick witted in a fun situation!
SF:  I completely admire people that are quick-witted, because I am so not.
SF:  Do you have any favorite clients?
MDLP:  You know, honestly, as long as people are nice, they are all my favorite clients.
SF:  You've been at your new location here on State Street for 2 1/2 weeks now, how do you feel about this move?
MDLP:  I truly put this move into God's hands, and feel He put me here.  I'm excited to be here and we have so many new customers and I know it's going to be great.  I also want to do a lot of community events here, as far as say someone lost their house to a fire, and they need to fundraise, I could host a community Bunko and all the money would go to them.  Something that wouldn't cost an arm and a leg and that anyone could afford to do.  Maybe do something on a Saturday, like have a dog rescue, where a dog rescue company comes and we try to adopt out dogs.
SF:  What great ideas Monika.  You truly have such a good heart and I love how you want to be so involved and GIVE BACK to the community.  It sounds like such a positive move coming to State Street.
MDLP:  Yes, and another positive thing about being here are there are so many amazing shops and restaurants, that a lot of people have come in while they are waiting to be seated at a restaurant, or just as they are walking around, and it's bringing in a lot of new cliental.
State Street is truly a golden street and I worked so hard at my little store on Cajon and I have finally won the prize!  People come from all over to shop on State Street, people who are in the area for a conference at Loma Linda Hospital, or ESRI, or maybe to look at the University of Redlands.  
SF:  And Market Night!   How was your first experience with Market Night?
MDLP:  The second Market Night was amazing!  We are open during Market Night, and I'm not sure if we will need to get a booth or not, or just stay open.  But right now, we are definitely open during Market Night.
SF:  This has been great Monika!  I feel as if you truly live your life fearlessly, as one of the signs in your store says!  Thank you so much for letting me talk with you about your fabulous boutique and fabulous you!  I will be back soon to see you and to check out more new merchandise!  

Spanky and Fiona

Fleur De Lis is located at 104 E. State Street, Suite K, Redlands, Ca.  They are open Tuesday through Saturday, 10ish - 6:30ish!  909-798-5363

SEE YOU THERE!

R-Town: Sitting down with one of Redlands' Finest

Finally it's raining!  The first rain of the year is here, but unfortunately it's on a day I'm interviewing and photographing Officer Eric Pendery of the Redlands Police Department.   Luckily, Eric and I have kids at the same school and are able to meet in a room on campus to get out of the rain! Of course that won't help for the pictures, but we make other arrangements.  (Just gotta go with the flow)

I've known Eric for about 5 or 6 years.  I met him through his wife, Jackie, who taught Dylan in 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grade, and currently has Brookie in her class.  (By the way…best teacher EVER!!!!).  So he and I have gotten to know each other over the years through various events at the school.  Sitting down with Eric to talk Police work was a lot fun and very interesting!

SF:  OK…let's get this started.  How long have have you been a police officer?
EP:  Well, it's kind of a long answer.  I've been with Redlands full time, for 11 years.  I worked for San Bernardino School Police for 4 years, before that I worked as a reserve for Redlands for 5 years, and before that I worked for Redlands Explorers for 5 years.  So all together that's about 25 years including the Reserves.
SF:  Ok, so is it safe to say you've always wanted to be a cop?
EP:  Yes
SF:  But if you weren't a police officer, what would you see yourself doing?
EP:  (Long pause) I would probably…well it would depend.  If I didn't have a family or if I had a family, it would be different.  If I didn't have a family I would probably go live on a boat somewhere and be a scuba instructor teaching scuba diving and dive everyday.  But that's not very family friendly.  If I didn't do that, I would probably go work at the guide school and teach guide dogs.
SF: Oh yah, I forgot that you guys raise guide dogs!  I remember when Jackie would bring your guide dogs, well the one you were raising/training, to school.  The kids loved that!  Taught the kids a little about guide dogs, as well.  I'm surprised you didn't say a teacher because I know you do a lot with kids, including chaperoning week long field trips!
EP:  I do love teaching and I love kids, and love to see that moment when they get it…but I don't know if I would want to do it full time.  I would be afraid it would lose something for me if I did it full time.  I think what I do now, I have the best of both worlds.
SF: So I have to ask you…I know the stereotype of cops is that they hang out a donut shops!  (we both laugh)  And I actually did a little research on this stereotype.   But, do you even like donuts?
EP:  I do… I do like donuts.  But I won't go get donuts when I'm working.
SF:  Because of the stereotype?
EP:  Yes…although the other night we did because it was the only thing open.
SF:  And that's where the stereotype came from!  That's what I found out!  The reason cops are associated with Donut Shops is because it was the only place open in the middle of the night for them to get a hot cup of joe!
EP:  Well yah, I can tell you the other night, my team went and we were able to get fresh donuts that were hot out of the oven {along with our coffee}. So if you are going to get something at 4:00am, that's right when they come out of the oven!
SF:  YUM!  So speaking of coffee, what is the longest you've ever gone without sleep?
EP:  I worked 21 hours one day, so probably about 24-25 hours.
SF:  Before you leave your house for your shift, are you in your full uniform?
EP:  No, I usually head into work in jeans and a T-Shirt.  We have lockers at the station so I get ready there.  But when I worked on the motorcycle, I would get dressed at home because the motorcycle lived at my house.  Then as soon as I got on the motorcycle, I would call in that I was available.  So it would just depend.
SF:  My next question I'm going to dig a little deep.  What's the hardest thing you've ever had to do on your job?
EP:  (heavy sigh) See a toddler who was run over by a car…and my son was the same age.  He was about 2 1/2 and my son was about 22 months.
SF:  Oh, that's horrific!  I couldn't even imagine.
SF:  What's the hardest thing you've ever had to do in life?
EP:  umm..I would say having to balance being a cop and trying to balance a family/personal life.  To be able to turn off being a cop and turn on being a dad, the cop part doesn't turn off very easily.
SF:  You mentioned earlier that you like Scuba diving.  When did you start scuba diving?
EP:  We {speaking of his wife and himself} got started about 10 years ago.  We were going on a cruise with some friends of ours to Belize, Cozumel and Key West, so we decided that it would be a horrible tragedy to go to those places and NOT scuba dive!  So we all got certified at Empire Scuba, and went scuba diving on our trip. When we got back, I just kept going and going and going, and Jackie finally said "this is costing us a lot of money…!" so we had to figure out how to make it cost effective.  So I basically became a Dive Master so I could dive for free.  Then when the new owners came in to Empire Scuba they sent me to instructor school so I could teach.  I don't know if it's ever been cost effective, but now it holds its own and is basically a wash.
SF:  Well I won't be asking for Scuba instruction because I am deathly afraid of it!  I can't imagine being that far under the water.  I would be afraid of running out of air!
SF:  Recently Redlands was voted in the top 10 cities to raise a family in.  Would you agree with that?
EP:  I would.  And the reason I would is because if you look at what our competition is around here, San Bernardino, Colton, Grand Terrace, Beaumont, Banning, and you put the total package together of what we've got, we are the obvious choice.  I can't speak for Northern California cities so I don't know what they have up there, but I can speak for Inland Empire and part of LA, and it's not surprising.  You look at all the things we have, and I look at the Police Department.  {Redlands} Police Department provides phenomenal customer service!  So when you put that together with what our city has, great schools, great parks, market night, farmers market, the Redlands Bowl, the Theater Festival, Bicycle Classics, Lifehouse Theater, Redlands Footlighters, the University of Redlands…we have all these things that support the "raising a family" idea, that yah, we should be ranked as one of the best places to raise a family.

Thank you for trying!

SF:  Ok..random question.  Can you do a cartwheel?
EP:  uh…no I can't really do one.
SF:  Well I wanted to get a picture of you at least trying!
EP:  OK we will get one…

SF:  Tell me something you can do that maybe not a lot of people can do?  A hidden talent, per se.
EP:  I'd say, for me, would be raising the guide dogs.  I have a good read on dogs.  In fact, on my team, I will always get the dog calls.  In fact, funny story, we got a call about a pit bull, and I was really comfortable approaching the dog, and my partner was not, so I was able to approach the dog without hurting him.
SF:  Now, I know about you raising guide dogs, but maybe tell me a little more about that.
EP:  Well it's not just me, it is our family.  Right now we have a breeder.  Once she has puppies the puppies will go to the guide dog school.  But for the most part, {when we are training guide dogs} we do a lot of socializing, getting the puppies when they are really young and teaching them until they are about 15-24 months.  Jackie would bring them to the school and the kids would know that the dog was "working" if he/she had a vest on.  They would only be allowed to pet the dog when the vest was off.  My kids even help with the training.  It's really rewarding when you see your 5 year old walking the dog through Costco, and pretty much knowing what to do.  We would watch the traffic, and our daughter would watch the dog.  People were always amazed that we would let her walk/help train the dog.
SF:  So cool!  You guys are probably the only people that I know that raise guide dogs!  As a fellow dog lover, I find that truly amazing!

Thank you Officer Pendery for taking the time on your day off to sit down with me and be so open and candid!  And thank you for meeting me again, when it wasn't raining, to do some pictures!  I feel very safe with you out there protecting our city and I thank you for your services to the city of Redlands!

R-Town | Dancing With the Stars, Redlands Style!

If you are a member of the Redlands Symphony then you know what I'm talking about!  Each year the Redlands Symphony holds a Gala in order to raise money which supports the growing costs of providing music education opportunities to local school children, and also to help sustain the orchestra's regular season of concerts.  This Gala is their largest fundraiser of the year!  The theme each year is Dancing With the Stars and they choose members of their organization to be their "celebrities" who team up with a professional dancer in the area, learn a routine, and perform it the night of the Gala and, of course, raise money! Each dancer raises money by bringing in votes.  Each vote is $1, so if someone donates $25 for a particular dancer, that dancer receives 25 votes. And this year, one of the celebs asked me to shoot her head shots.  So not only did I do head shots, I thought she would be a PERFECT person to start off my new blogging adventure!  The R-Town segment of SF Photography.  Each week I will bring you someone or some place of Redlands, that I think people would be interested in hearing about.  So to pilot my first "edition" of this segment...Jackie Meyer!  

SF:  So have you always liked dancing?
JM:  When I was a teen in the 60’s, the rage on TV was dance shows….I of course was glued to every one of them.  There was one show I particularly liked called Shebang with host Kasey Kasem.  On the show there were permanent dancers, one being Buddy Schwimmer.  I convinced my mom that I needed to go the show so I could dance with Buddy.  So off we went to KTLA.  I was so excited...I couldn’t wait to dance with Buddy!  Now remember, he has no idea that I existed.  Well, little did I know, the permanent dancers on the show could not dance with anyone else but their partner on the show.  I was crushed, but had a good time anyway.  Fast forward to the late 90’s…I was working in the Attendance Office at RHS.  In comes this tall, young man with his dad to check him in for the day.  I asked for his name, Benji he said, Schwimmer.  I looked up at him and asked his dad, are you Buddy Schwimmer?  He said, yes, very cautiously.  I told Buddy I was still mad after all of these years that I didn’t get to dance with him on Shebang, but he made it up to me in the office...we did a quick two step and I was happy!  
SF:  That's funny!  I actually know Buddy and that sounds like something he would do!  So Jackie, If you had the chance to dance with anyone in the world, besides Buddy since you already had that opportunity, who would it be?
JM:  Derek Hough and/or John Travolta
SF:  John Travolta would be on my list, too!  What's your favorite type of dance?
JM:  I especially like swing, cha cha, country…anything upbeat!
SF:  You are such a fun person!  What is the funniest thing you've ever done?
JM:  Once I was on a game show and won a pile of money!  Funny thing was that I had to be talked into going!
SF:  Lastly, why do you think people should vote for you?
JM:  Because I'm awesome….No…. because I have a passion for dancing and music.  I want to raise as much money for the Redlands Symphony as I can and at $1 per vote, I think it gives many people the opportunity to contribute to the Redlands Symphony without breaking the bank.  I know we all have many choices where to spend our money in fundraising efforts and I hope that it will be affordable for 10,000 people to vote for me!  Just think, at $1 per vote times 10,000…that would be awesome!!
SF:  I wish you the best of luck Jackie!  Hoping everyone that reads this sends in a vote for you!  

VOTE FOR JACKIE!!!  

You can vote for Jackie Meyer by sending in your donation along with this form to:

Redlands Symphony
PO Box 3080
Redlands, Ca 92373

Remember in the memo section of your check to put Jackie's name!

Every Event NEEDS a PHOTO BOOTH! | Redlands Photographer

I have to say, Photo Booths are the latest and greatest!  They are so much fun and can be incorporated into almost every event!  The latest one I did was for the Valley Prep School Dinner Dance.  This event is held every year and helps the school raise money for various things.  The theme this year was A Night in White Diamonds, and it was a lot of fun!  I know a few people were a little skeptical at first about getting their picture taken, but when I showed them props and told them to have fun with it, THEY DID!!  It was great to see teachers having so much fun with it, too, since we usually only see them in front of their classrooms!  Thanks Valley Prep staff and families for a really fun night!

This group was "Party Rockin"!!!  

More Fun Than This?

I can't even tell you how much fun this day was.  Photographing 3 beautiful dancers, in studio....lights, music, and so much fun!  I think I have found another LOVE!  This photo shoot was just so amazing!  I couldn't wait to share some of these pictures...

Happy Halloween! | Redlands Photographer

Candy candy and more candy!  The sights and smell of the colorful packaged chocolates is what I love about Halloween.  Oh...and of course the pumpkins, and the costumes, the trick or treating and the Carnivals!  It's my favorite time of year because the weather is changing and Christmas is right around the corner.  Only 55 days until Christmas to be exact!  This year the kids wanted to try something different.  For some reason they didn't want to stay in our neighborhood so we took them to one of the busiest parts of Redlands.  They found out that when you go to the busy areas, you mostly get suckers and hard candies.  Dylan was bummed out that he wasn't getting chocolate.  So, after about an hour of crowded streets and suckers, we came back to the comforts of our own neighborhood.  The first house they went to, they came running down the long walkway with smiles.  Chocolate!  And 2 pieces each!  The next house...KING size candy bars!!  In all fairness, it was people we knew and they had "special" candy bars for kids they knew.  :)  Pretty much every house thereafter was all chocolate!  Needless to say, we will be staying in our own area next year.  :)

With every year that rolls by, of course the kids are getting older and the costumes are getting older, too.  Dyl, who I don't really have pictures of because he was eating dinner (for the second time) right up until the very last minute.  We finally left the house at 6:30!  Brookie, on the other hand, we spent about 30 -40 minutes getting her ready.  Then I took her outside for pictures.  She just looks so grown up to me.  I can't believe she is almost 9!  She still enjoys getting her picture taken, and hopefully always will!

This year she wanted to paint her pumpkin!  I loved the idea!  I think we've stumbled upon a new tradition!

www.photographybystephany.com

Coming Soon...

WOW!  Life has just been crazy lately...good crazy though :)  I've been shooting beautiful weddings and I can't wait to get some of the latest pics up here on the blog!  The weddings have been fabulous...and for those of you who know me, I love all things sentimental...so I have been known to shed a tear (or two) at some of these weddings!  But what can I say? It has been truly awesome getting to know these couples and being invited to be a part of their special journey :)  Anyways...pictures will be up soon!

Also, I have been busy with maternity shoots and senior portraits and I can't wait to get some those pictures up as well.  Lovin' those sassy seniors!  They are just so much fun!

Stay tuned...
And you can now subscribe to the blog on the right-hand side if you would like to receive an email when new posts go up!

www.photographybystephany.com

Sassy Senior! | Redlands Photographer

Senior year of high school...what an exciting time! Planning for the future, looking forward to what's to come.  Spending every minute you can with lifelong friends, knowing that in a year you will be off on your own, starting your life and making new friends.  Making important decisions about colleges and careers.  So many unknowns and so much excitement as you venture out into the world.  Enjoying the "lasts" as you prepare to leave the school you've attended for the past four years...last football game, Homecoming, parties and Prom...senior ditch day, senior pranks, and yearbooks.  So many unforgettable moments and memories that you wish you could capture and hold onto forever.  

Senior portraits are always such a blast!  We spent the day up in Oak Glen and this sassy senior came with so much energy and charisma.  Let me tell you...this girl's a natural!  Not only does she look like Kim Kardashian, but she could easily be a model for Seventeen magazine!

And boy did she rock those boots!

So much fun with her today up in Oak Glen!

www.photographybystephany.com

What's Cookin' ???

So who doesn't love the smell of fresh out of the oven, homemade cookies??? Oh the memories...thinking back to walking into the kitchen after my mom had been baking all day for the family to come over for Christmas.  Or back to 9th grade with my BFFL's (best friends for life) Julie and Kara and the countless nights we spent baking away! :)  Baking with Brookie is truly a way to pass on one of my favorite hobbies to my own daughter.  I will never forget the first time I made french toast with my mom and how much fun we had together.  And I know that baking cookies with Julie and Kara meant just as much to them as it did to me because Julie and I are still avid bakers and Kara loves to cook!  So here's to another great session of Brookie's Cookies! Mmm, mmm, good :)

FLASHBACK...

Soooooo...clearly baking in the 80's required the use of an entire can of hairspray and some awesome bang teasing! Julie, Kara, and I loved to dress up with wild hair and crazy makeup before we baked.  All I have to say is did we rock those aprons or what!??!?!?!?!

www.photographybystephany.com