Uncategorized – Island Girl

Front Porch Portraits: Coronado Families Pose During a Pandemic

A quarantine “front porch” photo captured and featured in USA Today.

What is “Front Porch” photography? Well, it’s only the biggest trend in family photography right now. And Coronado’s favorite image sorceress—Kristen Vincent—is set to make some magical memories with you and your loved ones…on your very own front porch!

Since major news media outlets like the Today Show and USA Today featured “Front Porch” Photo sessions, families have been going crazy…booking appointments to snap their families during quarantine. And the “Front Porch” session is just like it sounds…your family comes out onto your front porch (or balcony) and the photographer snaps some photos. You don’t even need to get fancy! (Check out some of the photos from other sessions around the country.)

A family from the USA Today story holds board games.

Another family keeps it casual and real.

“I’ve had a lot of people reach out to me, asking me about them since a photographer was interviewed about it on the Today Show,” says Kristen, who has been snapping family photos on the island for more than 10 years. (She was even named “Coronado’s Best Photographer” for five years in a row.)

Front Porch photo sessions making the news.

“While I can’t actually shoot them right now, I can book them, and once the ‘essential worker’ restrictions are lifted, I can schedule them,” explains Kristen, who will still adhere to the social distancing of six feet away.

So what should families expect?

“The sessions will be quick, shot from the sidewalk of you and the people you are quarantined with,” says Kristen. “No need to be polished in your fancy outfits. I’m encouraging everyone booking to show up as their quarantined counterpart, and show a glimpse of what this time was like for their family.”

The marketing piece advertising Kristen’s Front Porch Photo Sessions.

For $99, families will get five beautiful digital images that they can use however they want. Families can book online here.

“I think it’s important to document this time in history,” says Kristen. “There is still beauty now. Even in these times of uncertainty, I am seeing so much creativity, connection and love. I encourage everyone to be taking pictures throughout this pandemic. It will be a story worth sharing to those that didn’t live it alongside you.”

Although the COVID-19 outbreak has put the brakes on most of Kristen’s business—upcoming weddings cancelled, and all currently scheduled photo shoots off the books, for the time being—she’s staying positive and finding joy in the “every day.”

One of Kristen’s beautiful family captures.

“It’s all about the light,” Kristen has said of her photography.

“I’m finding my inspiration in the nooks and crannies of my home,” explains Kristen. “Life in general is hectic and busy, then this happened and everything came to a screeching halt. I am now finding beauty in the mundane. My son’s shadow playing on the wall, or the sun as it hit his bedhead while he eats his breakfast. Challenging myself to see life from a different angle has been inspiring.”

“I want to know your ‘why,'” Kristen has said of how she approaches family photo sessions.

Kristen has this advice to give other small business owners during the global pandemic.

“Get creative and think ahead,” says Kristen. “It may be quiet right now, but this is temporary. Ask yourself: what can you be doing now to connect with potential clients, so that when the restrictions are lifted it can impact your business in a positive way.”

Wise words indeed! Thanks for reading, and if you have any questions, please contact Kristen directly at via her website here.

https://www.kristenvincentphotography.com/contact/

Shop this Holiday Pop-Up to Help End Breastcancer

It’s a win-win! Get jump-started on your holiday gift-buying and help win the fight against breast cancer at the Coronado shopping event of the season. It’s all happening at the Dollie Style & Accessories Breast Cancer Fundraiser Shopping Event this Saturday at 235 F Avenue from 10-4pm.

Shop high-end bags and accessories and grab-worthy gift baskets donated by local businesses while enjoying sips and light bites. 100% of the proceeds from the basket auction and 15% of all Dollie sales will be donated to the Susan G. Komen organization.

“I lost my mother-in-law, Donna Catlin, to this disease which is why this cause is near and dear to my heart,” says Dolly Catlin, event organizer. “I want to help Susan G. Komen save lives and end breast cancer forever.”

Gift baskets include wantables from Starbucks, goodies from Natalie Falletta Skincare (including a $150 gift certificate for a facial) loot from Seaside Papery, La Mer, Coronado Glow, Spiros Gyros, Domani Salon, Holland’s Bicycles, an organic wine basket, and more.

Guests can also shop loads of wrapped-and-ready gift items including enviable Hammitt leather handbags, jewelry, scarves, Coronado royalty nightshirts, and more.

Dolly says she feels lucky that she has not had to fight her own personal battle with breast cancer, but her heart goes out to the millions of women who struggle with the disease.

“Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women during their lifetime,” says Dolly. “It was just time for me to do something to help.”

As the world’s largest and most impactful breast cancer organization, Susan G. Komen funds more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit, while providing real-time help to those facing the disease.

Dolly hopes that you can join Mayor Richard Bailey and all the local businesses who have stepped up to help at the pop up this weekend! See you there! ????

Fonda Don Diego Makes Way for its Italian Lover

Mamma Mia! Rosemary Trattoria has sprouted up in Fonda’s former digs, and you’re going to fall in love. I know, because I ate there tonight.

If you’re craving authentic Italian food in a warm, neighborhood trattoria, Rosemary beckons with perfect pizzas, pastas, and lots of amore. In just a few weeks, Chef Alex Martinez has transformed Fonda Don Diego into a lovely Italian eatery, complete with strung white lights and Dean Martin tunes floating on the air. You will love the kind service, and the enticing yet unpretentious menu with all the favorites.

We gobbled up the homemade focaccia bread, served warm to the table while I serenely sipped my glass of Super Tuscan. (Oh, how I love me some Super Tuscan.)

My mom and I shared the delectable burrata salad, with melt-in-your-mouth cheese, roasted cherry tomatoes, arugula, house-made pesto sauce and extra virgin olive oil. (Was there anything I didn’t love about this salad? Nope. Not one single thing.)

We ordered one of the red pizzas with sausage, arugula and buffalo mozzarella, and it was sinfully savory and flavorful. My daughters each ordered off the kids menu, and even my sometimes-persnickety pasta-eating offspring devoured every bite.

Chef Alex made his way from table to table, making sure everything was delicious and perfect. It was. I can’t wait to bring my husband here, and next time I will definitely try the Tiramisu or the cheesecake!

And in case you were wondering, yes, the vivid, colorful Tijuana street art-style murals remain on the walls. Although they don’t necessarily go with the Italian theme, I hope they remain. In the very least, they tell part of the story of this space’s past. Because if we’re lucky, Rosemary will be in our future for many years to come.

Rosemary is located at 120 Orange Ave. For more information and food info, check out Chris Kelly’s article from the Coronado Times here.

Check out the menu below. Thanks for reading!

Outfit Crush: Festive Fall

It’s true…I’m a complete sucker for fall and everything it means for fashion. I love me a nice pair of over-the-knee boots, some killer smokey eyes and anything soft (leather, suede, faux fur, you name it.)

For the most part, I like to keep it casual. (I’m probably just one flannel short of a Land’s End catalog.) But sometimes your favorite button down, distressed jeans and Converse just won’t do. (And let’s face it, this is Coronado. It’s still 80 degrees out!)

For those fall-festive, warmer-weather outings, I’ve devised the perfect fall look! Bring on the metallics. Clip on the dark accessories. Strap on the animal print shoes. Sparkly eyeshadow? Yes, please!

Iced pumpkin latte, anyone?

1. Cotton green bodysuit. I’m a wee bit scarred from the 90s, so I was horrified and repulsed when bodysuits came back into fashion. Since then I’ve made peace with this frisky 90210 staple! Buy green bodysuit here on Amazon. Only $11.99!

2. Handmade Earrings by Katiana Jimenez. This super talented designer (and Coronado local) makes earthy and fabulous jewelry, handbags, dresses and more! Message her at 310-922-3272 to see her collection of goodness!

3. Chloe Perfume. Smells amazing and looks sooooo pretty and demure on your vanity! Amazon Prime Chloe perfume here.

4. Classic Eyeshadow Palette by Beautycounter. I’m in love with this eyeshadow palette and it looks amazing on everyone! Love the warm, sparkly, gilded colors…perfect for fall. And with names like cinnamon, copper, penny and sahara, how can you go wrong? (Full disclosure, I sell Beautycounter. Mainly because I’m obsessed with the products and I get a discount as a consultant. If you want to try this palette, I can arrange a drop off! Or get crazy and buy it here. Free returns in 60 days. Want free shipping? Message me and I can arrange that!)

5. Festive gold layered skirt from MyStyleOntheGo. Love, love, love my layered golden maxi. Super fun to dress up or down with a casual tee. Coronado-regular and stylist Emma Jane has an eye for amazing, well-priced pieces that do not disappoint! Check out her website here.

6. Hammitt Handbag. By now you know I’m obsessed with Hammitt bags, and I love that I can visit my friend Dolly and touch and feel each bag before I buy. You can wear this as either a crossbody or a clutch. The asymmetrical red zipper detail is playful and fun and the feel of the leather is pure luxury! Visit Dollie Style and Accessories at the Nail Studio at 824 Orange Ave or see website here.

7. Animal Print Shoes by Tory Burch. These chunky, statement-making sandals add an animalistic edge to any look. Buy wherever you procure your Tory Burch!

Hope you like this look, and thanks for reading!

Caught on Camera: Play by the Bay at the Loews

Champagne and oysters and tacos, oh my!

If you missed this year’s Play by the Bay event at the Loews Coronado, I don’t want to rub it in….but it was off the hook! I’m talking a locally-sourced raw bar with shrimp, ahi crudo and oysters, cocktails with Summer Citrus Vodka, a gourmet tequila tasting, heirloom tomato salad boats with calamari, and a taco bar to set your soul on fire. And did I mention the chocolate truffle station? They had BACON WHISKEY flavored chocolates, people!

Ok, you get it…but you might be wondering, exactly what is Play by the Bay? So glad you asked. It’s basically culinary playground of sorts–a night of drinks, live music and dancing all to benefit local schools. And don’t forget the silent auction to win stays at hotels like the Four Seasons San Francisco, the Ritz in Lake Tahoe, Paradise Point, the Hotel Del and of course the Loews family of hotels.

According to the event website, proceeds from the event benefit DonorsChoose.org, a non-profit organization assisting public school teachers with the supplies and equipment they need for their classrooms. Over the past two years they have raised $115,000 to assist with greater San Diego classroom projects.

Admission to Play on the Bay is a donation of $100 per person. But believe me…the way we ate and drank our way through the evening, the ticket was well worth the price! And all against the backdrop of the sunset over the San Diego Bay…you’re sure to leave with a smile on your face (salsa-fire breath, truffle chocolate smeared, wine-stained teeth and all!)

Check out the pics!