So I found my little girl sitting there, getting a rainbow of coloured make-up applied by her older sister. She was holding my perfume bottle and was in her new birthday dress. She looked so beautiful. I instantly saw Vogue! So I grabbed my camera and took these shots. Not quite Vogue but they make my heart swell. (Make-up: older sister/Hair: nobody!)

My proudest moment to date. A one page advertisement by Lensbaby (an american lens company) using an image of my daughter Mackenzie and highlighting a link to my work via their website! That's pretty cool stuff and I'm extremely grateful and excited at the opportunity to represent Lensbaby in the latest edition of Popular Photography magazine. (March 2013)

These 2 gorgeous girls Rachel & Alexa, go to school with my girls. They are leaving us in 2 weeks to be with their mum who is currently up in the USA having Chemotherapy to treat Leukemia. They are having a fundraising event soon. If you can help by making a donation that would make a real difference to this wonderful family. You can find all the details here: http://www.juanitasfightforlife.org/

Modu is a fitness trainer here in Cabo San Lucas. He speaks 4 languages and has an MBA. He is such an inspiration to all. Especially the kids here. His mission is to educate them on nutrition and exercise so he runs free bootcamps in Cabo for any children that want to join in. He also works with the children in the orphanges. He has the biggest heart! I loved working with him and his gorgeous boy.

Check him out at www.getmoduvated.com

I couldn't resist posting this adorable little guy. Gorgeous!!

I recently entered a competition for a photo that displayed a special bond. Friendship was the title. I submitted this photo that was taken here in Mexico, one day when we were at the beach. Leo the dog came over and introduced himself. My daughter Jasmine played fetch with him for 2 hours and this how they became great mates.

I was awarded 3rd place and I am ecstatic!! You can see the other amazing entries here: http://www.wallflowerfriends.com/wallflower-friends-blog/

After such a busy Xmas period for my hubbie, work wise, we were looking forward to taking a road trip to Cerritos Beach. It is only a 45 minute drive but 25 minutes of that drive is very stressful to say the least. We were forced to brake hard after several cars decided to overtake on a blind spot. There is nothing scarier that coming head on with another car especially when we had our 2 beautiful girls in the car. We have taken 3 drives out of town in the year that we've been here and have encountered the same thing EVERY TIME! We will be sticking to our local area from now on. Drivers are less likely to make stupid maneuvers in populated areas. It's such a shame. I was real messed up by the time we got there and was dreading the drive home. However, after a couple of cold relaxants (in the way of vodka, strawberry daquiri and Pacifico...anything I could get my hands on lol) I was able to relax a little and enjoy the beautiful location of Cerritos Beach. It was a beautiful day with a great atmosphere. People from all over come here particularly for the surf. The restaurant served great food and later there was live entertainment.

Wished we could have stayed longer and then had a private jet come collect us!

School holidays started yesterday so I picked the girls up and we headed straight for the beach. Normally the beach is quite rough but today it was perfect for the girls to run around and go crazy. The sand has a beautiful gold speck through it, I noticed. The girls just thought it would be perfect to throw...at each other and at me!

Yay for school holidays and no spanish homework!!

On board the Polar Express where we travelled along listening to the story that inspired the movie. Then it was time for Christmas Carols! Fun, fun, fun.

Since we are so deprived of playgrounds in Mexico, it was definitely a must in Whistler!

We have ended the year 2010 with a beautiful bang. Who needs fireworks when you have been to Whistler in December. It is absolutely stunning...especially with all the xmas lights! We arrived to a massive snowfall which was just heavenly. The rest of the days were fantastic for exploring the village, snowboarding and drinking lots of warm hot chocolate. 

Whistler, we may just be back soon.

The highlight of Vancouver was definitely these playful little squirrels! They were running around everywhere in Stanley Park. I just wish it wasn't raining so we could have spent more time chasing them.

In San Jose del Cabo we have a local juice bar that sells any large fruit/veg juice for 35 pesos= $2.90. Sure beats Boost Juice in Australia at double the price! We regularly visit the shop and the employees know our order without us having to ask! One of the men wants to learn English so I speak to him in English and he doesn't understand. He speaks to me in Spanish and I don't understand so it's a lot of guessing and awkward smiling lol. The staff are really lovely people and their banana bread is delicious.

So, I went this morning to order my regular juice...apple, strawberries, beetroot, carrot, celery with honey and ice. I turned my head to the left and found this man asleep on the bench seat. I think he'd had a bit too much juice the night before! 

It just goes to show we all love a bit of juice!

Now that the weather is cooling off here in Mexico, the outdoors is the place to be! It's amazing what you can find in your own backyard....

Every year in November, when the weather becomes gloriously temperate, the Organic Farmers Market starts operating again here in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. It is full of all things fresh and locally grown. Such things include herbs, vegetables, flowers, dips & dressings, traditional mexican foods and drinks. They also sell handicrafts and art like jewellery, metal statues, furniture and paintings.

Today we came home with a few bags of goodies including vegetables, honey, some Curry, Cashew & Cheese dip (a fave from last season). We also bought some fresh cow cheese and mango paste (shown by woman in photo) which she makes in her home by stirring the mangos for 5 hours! When married up with the cow cheese and a cracker, you get a heavenly burst of flavour.

I am excited to acquaint my taste buds with these fine gourmet treats tonight...along with a nice glass of wine of course!

I have been living in Mexico for 7 months now and I quickly discovered that clothing & shoe shopping is very much minimal. However...in just ONE day, in ONE store, I was able to find THREE fabulous pairs of shoes!! It felt sooooo good to SHOP. Not for the kids. Not for my hubbie...but for ME!

Let's hope I don't break a leg walking down the cobbled streets of Mexico!

A few months ago my hubbie took me for a drive out to the new marina in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. We had to cross a bridge that overlooks the estuary. I looked out my window and immediately had the need to stop and get a shot...even if I did only have my point and shoot camera! The lighting was beautiful showing off the vibrant lush greens of the grass and the gorgeous blues of the sky and water. I was also blessed with a wild cow munching who responded straight away to my 'Mooooo' calls! There were even some locals swimming...which is pretty much unseen.

So I decided to enter this photo into a Photography Competition to win 5 nights in a private villa overlooking Cabo San Lucas. Well, the results are in...AND, (drum roll please) I won the Grand Prize! I am so excited!! Competition details here:  http://www.cabovillas.com/photocontest.asp?ref=nf

This is what you call being in the right place at the right time!

Ok...so this is what the Collier girls do on a Sunday morning with my cup of coffee. Thank you to my adorable little assistants for making this happen!

Time to get another cuppa I think...

Today is 10/10/10. It started like this. It is Sunday and I truly hoped for a sleep in but my 2 gorgeous girls ended any chance of that. First Mac came in and jumped into bed...then Jas walked in. Mac says "Good Morning Jazzie and blows her a kiss" and I get all lost in the moment. The Jas says "I'm hungry! C'mon, get up!" and that's how I was able to capture todays first sun rays.

What I really would love to do today is head inland and find a town of shanties. I want to take some photos of a Mexican family 'living', as so many photographers are doing all around the world today. What do their homes look like? Where do they get water? How do they cook? But logistically it's impossible. The hubbie is at work and there is no way I'd ever go by myself. Maybe one day.

Today I will enjoy my family.

Back in August, we took a family vacation up to the USA. We hired a mini van in L.A and did the California Coast drive over 4 days via Santa Barbara, Cambria & Monterey. Wow..what a beautiful, scenic drive it was! The wildlife was unbelievable. The clam chowder was to die for! Shopping was a delight as was discovering the small towns along the way. Our final destination was San Fransisco where we stayed in a place, located on the other side of the GGB, called Tiburon. It was so nice to experience the big city but be able to escape to the serenity of a seaside location nearby. I'm so glad I'm able to tick SF off my list!

But...I am still California dreaming.

Mackenzie dreams of being a fairy. Of being able to fly to Neverland and meet up with Tinkerbell and Peter Pan. Here she waits for the wind to lift her up and take her to that very place.

It almost happened.

Tonight we had the most unusual thing happen here in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. It actually rained. Heavy rain. I haven't seen heavy rain for 6 whole months! Even thru the hurricane season, which is almost over, we still didn't get any! I miss it. Don't get me wrong...having perfect sunny weather every day makes for a sunny disposition. People are happier and friendlier...BUT I would just love a change! And it came...finally.

I love a cloudy sky. Only sometimes.

A few days ago...my package arrived. Inside was a brand new Macro lens and an underwater housing for my Canon G11. So...being the weekend, I grabbed the girls and their little friends Kiara & Yani and we had some underwater fun. I have to say I am a little disappointed in the results of ALOT of the shots as far as colour goes but maybe that's just something I will have to have a play with.

The good thing is that It will allow so many more photo opportunities. Especially in Mexico. The marine life here is abundant. The tropical fish display such gorgeous colour.

Next on the list of things to do is SNORKELLING!

Last night we were lucky enough to be invited to help release some baby turtles into the Sea of Cortez. It was such a great experience! 

They are released only metres from the shore line which gives them a greater chance of survival. Although, I am very surprised they make it thru the on-shore break! Every time a wave came thru they ended up back up the beach, flipped onto their backs and having to fight their way past the strong wash, once again. We all felt so helpless but nature has to take it's course, right? They all made it thru within 10 minutes so there is hope of a good life!

It is done at dusk so the turtles can follow the light of the moon. To where you may ask. I ask the same thing. Maybe they'll end up in Sydney, Australia riding the swirling currents like in Finding Nemo!

Good luck to the 22 baby turtles released. Just a tip: stay away from the BIG fish. They'll eat you.

Today I finally got my Macro lens. It was ordered from the US a few weeks ago. From there it went to Tijuana, Mexico/Ontario, Canada/Jamaica/Maspeth, New York before eventually arriving in Cabo. It has seen more of the world than I have!

Customs stung me $300 in taxes on arrival which I figure covered food and accomodation expenses along the way.

I also ordered an underwater housing for my other camera so watch this space for some fun underwater action shots!

Yesterday, my hubbie came home from work and insisted that we all go down to the beach while he surfed. Who am I to argue with that! It is easier said than done to get to the beach with 2 kids in tow. For one, it is a bit of a hike down some steep stairs then thru dog poo tunnel and a 100m walk on sand until you hit paradise. Then there's all the gear you have to carry! The weather is absolutely beautiful, ALL THE TIME and the colours on the beach at dusk is something I can't afford for my camera to miss!

As soon as we got there we met Leo, the dog. All he wanted to do was play fetch. So that's what we did. For 2 hours!! I was glad when Jas took over from me an hour into it! My arms were starting to tire BIG time. Jas had a great time with Leo and in the end became special 'mates'. The fact that Jas ended up in the water with him made it all that much fun.

Mac was busy playing on the beach with a newfound friend named Giomar. What a cutie he is!! Both Leo and Giomars' dad surf here with my hubbie so I'm sure we'll see them both again. I hope so.

Jas was super excited to find a 20 peso note floating in the water!

Great mates.

Giomar...one little cutie!

Yesterday, I took a walk along the beach in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. It is located about half an hour away from Cabo San Lucas. You may be wondering why I'm in Mexico? Let's just say it's a working holiday...for about 2 years. I know...it's tough but someone has to do it...so I put my hand up!

The beaches here are beautiful and clear, facing the Sea of Cortez. I am lucky enough to have a view of it from our condo but really don't use the beach much as there is a massive on-shore break which will crunch you to bits! Scary stuff. So I stayed on the sand yesterday and found all sorts of things, like...surfing pelicans. They don't have boards or anything but they fly along the top of a wave just skimming the surface. It's just what they do here. I also found some turtle eggs! It is egg laying season at the moment and I can't wait to take my girls down to release them into the big black ocean. Poor little vegemites. I was sure not to handle the eggs for fear of being arrested and locked up for 10 years. It is illegal to tamper with turtle eggs here in Mexico. I'm sure a hefty bribe would get me out of trouble.

One thing I never get sick of is the Mexicans riding their horses on the beach (although their paddys are a little off-putting...that's the horses paddys I'm refering to there!) wearing their sombreros, sweaty shirts and jeans. I ask myself 'why aren't they wearing boardies?' I know they feel the heat. They say to me "It's very "caliente" and I say 'yep' and fan my face with my hand... cause I'm still learning Spanish. They are the friendliest of people, although you probably have heard different in the media recently. Believe me when I say the people of Cabo truly are very warm and happy.