tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68733486706414092302024-03-13T11:40:26.108-07:00A Beautiful LifeAlyssa Lillegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323056802948939185noreply@blogger.comBlogger204125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873348670641409230.post-52930784060843206742010-02-10T15:04:00.000-08:002010-02-10T15:09:43.328-08:00Rouge CocoI heard the news last night that Vanessa Paradis would be the face of Rouge Coco, Chanels new line of lipstick, and I almost died. Then, a few minutes ago while I was flipping through Vanity Fair's March issue I came across the ad and about died again. I LOVE Vanessa Paradis and she can pretty much do no wrong in my book. I'm a tad jealous though, being as she is with Johnny Depp, but I will forgive her for getting in my way because she is a stunning French woman. I had to hunt down a photo of the ad, and with much searching I finally came across a photo big enough to put on the blog. Here she is in all her beauty! <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhae1HVF-wTGb-T6_Mqn9dAw7D1Au1AGvCHZcHvkMmswfDAKknz3KFkXEwerbfhGMlmrW1cKAju29ZHuA7OqhxDrg9UEBAPpb_uVXufYjJKcJSYuLrEZcjtGeVJPi71bVmcrWcsEuMsBUM/s1600-h/Vanessa+Paradis+Coco+Rouge.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhae1HVF-wTGb-T6_Mqn9dAw7D1Au1AGvCHZcHvkMmswfDAKknz3KFkXEwerbfhGMlmrW1cKAju29ZHuA7OqhxDrg9UEBAPpb_uVXufYjJKcJSYuLrEZcjtGeVJPi71bVmcrWcsEuMsBUM/s400/Vanessa+Paradis+Coco+Rouge.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436755487185175138" /></a><br /><br />Click on the photo to view it larger! <br /><br />Ciao lovelies! <br /><br />AlyssaAlyssa Lillegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323056802948939185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873348670641409230.post-12386215320901767942010-02-04T22:03:00.000-08:002010-02-04T22:12:34.046-08:00Swoon...I have been on the hunt for the perfect pair of cowboy boots for years. I think everyone I know has a pair of cowboy boots except for me. We go to the rodeo (scary right?) and everyone is wearing cowboy boots. Is Alyssa? NO. And every spring and summer I'm longing to wear a pair with a great cotton dress. And do I have them? NO. <br />Tonight, I took a look after I came across a pair while Josh and I were out and about. I found this pair from Piperlime, my go to place for shoes (I have yet to actually purchase anything), and I'm SURE they will do the trick. Problem? Of course. They cost an arm and a leg, but hey, I asked Josh if I could get them anyway, and you know what he said? "Yes!" except it didn't sound like that. It was the "Yes.." that sounds like a "Yea right" I'm still holding out hope. In the meantime, I'm swooning over them every few minutes! <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtOoSAih8K0-Jwm5tKDutitUgbiEP3OCOmWCsnRS4UYgCeOYTcJVNOy6lJWbu5vgMmFoZxU1I4QVVvGyi3DOjwP1jaVrkUxRFqyI5YtRfk9GZIPKjPevqy7FgUQjDSlKp5oIXhYaBOI0/s1600-h/Boot.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtOoSAih8K0-Jwm5tKDutitUgbiEP3OCOmWCsnRS4UYgCeOYTcJVNOy6lJWbu5vgMmFoZxU1I4QVVvGyi3DOjwP1jaVrkUxRFqyI5YtRfk9GZIPKjPevqy7FgUQjDSlKp5oIXhYaBOI0/s400/Boot.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434638056585983746" /></a><br /><br />Aren't they fabulous!? <br /><br />Have a wonderful day lovelies!Alyssa Lillegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323056802948939185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873348670641409230.post-22297632380560241832010-02-04T09:31:00.001-08:002010-02-04T09:41:20.455-08:00Cute, Cute, Cute!I was perusing this morning, and found these ADORABLE coasters. I love coasters, I don't know why. Josh and I have two sets from Paris, but I would love to add a few of these to our collection. There are dozens of designs to choose from, but these are my favorite. The coasters can be personalized, which I think is cute and they would definitely make a cute housewarming gift, as they are pretty spendy! One coaster is $26, but I think they would be well worth it! So pop on over to <a href="http://www.iomoi.com/iomoi.php?page=home&referer=http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=Iomoi.com&aq=f&aqi=&oq=">Iomoi</a>to see more adorable stuff! <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFmDNHNx2YmoICaQCXvp1q0ze-g4ztPS4MxzrMqWImF-9I7mXaycvEfj7K6WjfQAfiWIdIszi6EyrcZvOsRARVXBJv_rk3zjdAs_EIJ-xYsfHu_8Cm3uIJuGE0PHK6kJpAstzvmqPLXY/s1600-h/British+Flag+Coaster.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFmDNHNx2YmoICaQCXvp1q0ze-g4ztPS4MxzrMqWImF-9I7mXaycvEfj7K6WjfQAfiWIdIszi6EyrcZvOsRARVXBJv_rk3zjdAs_EIJ-xYsfHu_8Cm3uIJuGE0PHK6kJpAstzvmqPLXY/s400/British+Flag+Coaster.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434444596172953250" /></a>Alyssa Lillegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323056802948939185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873348670641409230.post-27574930657801082592010-01-29T10:08:00.000-08:002010-01-29T10:20:25.974-08:00AmazingnessVania and Christine over at <a href="http://simplybloomphotography.com/blog">Simply Bloom Photography</a> can do no wrong in my book. And when you see their photos, I'm sure you will be thinking the same thing. When I think about how I want my images to look, and what kind of photos I want to give my clients, V and C's work is #1 on my list. Their photos are simply stunning. They are classic and vintage but modern, and they breathe romance into every image they take. It would be an absolute dream come true to have them shoot Josh and me.Alas, they are in Alabama, and I don't think we will be there any time soon. Oh what I would give to have a session with them. Take a look at their truly inspiring and romantic images over on their blog <a href="http://simplybloomphotography.com/blog">HERE</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfLSbsl2IPwrH4gdv714k8MP48ANaL5cw6u4U1T_FIXIk0bmHbx1qCCjDYlsODu9QNsiIj6pE1_uFrZYK9R9KD7BOowO6IN5eif_F_qWRcSKlPoXfLnnGj22cA1gEQD8T_SXXBRA3U7Q/s1600-h/Simply+Bloom+Couple.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfLSbsl2IPwrH4gdv714k8MP48ANaL5cw6u4U1T_FIXIk0bmHbx1qCCjDYlsODu9QNsiIj6pE1_uFrZYK9R9KD7BOowO6IN5eif_F_qWRcSKlPoXfLnnGj22cA1gEQD8T_SXXBRA3U7Q/s400/Simply+Bloom+Couple.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432227642205836498" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tzuYazsihhn-ujBV0C_Pw0nmPZvyH826kcoNudVX0btABjyC-DIhwTqnjeYG1IyYwBC_SKW6fHcbY7V_ieZH2VPUvAlBEmFSa1MJLhyphenhyphenufYghMmNS2qKkxDZV7VY43AqYNaFG1FgfPnI/s1600-h/Boca+Raton+Couple+Simply+Bloom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tzuYazsihhn-ujBV0C_Pw0nmPZvyH826kcoNudVX0btABjyC-DIhwTqnjeYG1IyYwBC_SKW6fHcbY7V_ieZH2VPUvAlBEmFSa1MJLhyphenhyphenufYghMmNS2qKkxDZV7VY43AqYNaFG1FgfPnI/s400/Boca+Raton+Couple+Simply+Bloom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432227841442996386" /></a><br /><br />Amazing and drool worthy, right?<br /><br />Have a fabulous weekend! <br /><br />AlyssaAlyssa Lillegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323056802948939185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873348670641409230.post-9613616786395817412010-01-27T17:13:00.001-08:002010-01-27T18:04:50.008-08:00AmourSo I've started and stopped a post about 4 times since I posted last. Something funky is going on with blogger. I no longer can choose text style, or color, which, yes is a big deal to me. Linking is weird too. Anyway, I've been MIA for a long time, and I'm sorry to the 3 people that read this blog. I've been working away on prepping for last weekends wedding, and working on ways to revamp my business in for 2010. I've also had a lack of things to post about because I've been left a little uninspired. <br /><br />But I popped over to some of the blogs I frequent, and over at <a href="http://rubypr.com/">Ruby Press</a> they posted about a Spring 2010 Campaign for the <a href="http://dace.ca">Dace</a> Clothing Line. And let me just tell you, when I popped on over to Dace and saw the Campaign video, I about died. <br /><br />It's no secret on this blog that I LOVE, ADORE, ADMIRE Europe,Paris especially. My heart hurts with missing. I found myself again on the streets of Paris after my dad died, so I have special feelings for Paris that no one can understand til they have been there. Europe changed my life. So I've been thinking alot about Paris recently, even mentioned to Josh how we should plan a trip there. He reminded me that it won't be that easy to visit next time being as it isn't a four hour train ride. It's nice to dream, though. My dream photo session would be a pretty girl or a couple on the streets of Paris, and this Campaign makes me want to do just that even more. <br /><br />Take a look at the video here, and enjoy a few photos that I found via The <a href="http://www.theddroom.com/2010/01/dace-ss2010-lookbook.html">Digital Darkroom.</a> The colors, the location, everything make my heart happy and sad at the same time! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshux0CfW2NbSyxH5V1nRRChgm4tATByKnJfSz5xQx3ntvm3LmLsnJk5Ah4z39SGVkFuOjA8YpfvRxgl_hG2CqWNk8GJlg_WdPbLxgxv9m_YHXy5ZAleNcHY2ehjWZYCAsD3Vq5q-GCYA/s1600-h/Dace5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshux0CfW2NbSyxH5V1nRRChgm4tATByKnJfSz5xQx3ntvm3LmLsnJk5Ah4z39SGVkFuOjA8YpfvRxgl_hG2CqWNk8GJlg_WdPbLxgxv9m_YHXy5ZAleNcHY2ehjWZYCAsD3Vq5q-GCYA/s400/Dace5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431603903625896002" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDQKR3VN2WAmiL049LWPaPLlvpyOkZe7UsHXVb8pTAkypciBPqUvZLQiO_JBQHhW1bEiPGMa6yR7Do8A8b8QB4VhqksjE43Nc5-R8z-zjUxJyZlQeF9RuvfKd-EJ6fDLJkz61M8c_G5c/s1600-h/Dace2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDQKR3VN2WAmiL049LWPaPLlvpyOkZe7UsHXVb8pTAkypciBPqUvZLQiO_JBQHhW1bEiPGMa6yR7Do8A8b8QB4VhqksjE43Nc5-R8z-zjUxJyZlQeF9RuvfKd-EJ6fDLJkz61M8c_G5c/s400/Dace2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431604153491941858" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVtAK6PMifThyphenhyphencxcm7zt0fNs3CYOUnpCmkC_TNJHRqTr-cjnsoMaXA1oOCe90i4XJwV9JQCMCJxVjeTOJ8V_Yf2BJNVReDZcdc2euM05ajgxYRXAcBAU60mp5H54HE-h2Hx9clho3W2M/s1600-h/Dace14.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVtAK6PMifThyphenhyphencxcm7zt0fNs3CYOUnpCmkC_TNJHRqTr-cjnsoMaXA1oOCe90i4XJwV9JQCMCJxVjeTOJ8V_Yf2BJNVReDZcdc2euM05ajgxYRXAcBAU60mp5H54HE-h2Hx9clho3W2M/s400/Dace14.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431604347589013282" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHmR9xcE-agWeeDBvYwKA6nyfP44vr6s5lYDKU5rAPbTnt1hI_W2g0SPiCZ-mcGRuLEvdP3CvsYAHWzkvI9Vc0rKcURD_XZ81b4CtyLl3_kjJTABVlNGlhNH4SzxhnTWNSrusv4oUIis/s1600-h/Dace1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYHmR9xcE-agWeeDBvYwKA6nyfP44vr6s5lYDKU5rAPbTnt1hI_W2g0SPiCZ-mcGRuLEvdP3CvsYAHWzkvI9Vc0rKcURD_XZ81b4CtyLl3_kjJTABVlNGlhNH4SzxhnTWNSrusv4oUIis/s400/Dace1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431604597112810626" /></a><br /><br />First photo is my absolute favorite. Totally my style! <br /><br />Au Revoir!Alyssa Lillegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323056802948939185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873348670641409230.post-84323822534199186072010-01-15T13:17:00.000-08:002010-01-15T13:50:40.089-08:00Pitter Patter...I think I've mentioned this before, but since my brother has been at college, we've been passing links back and forth for modern houses we think the other would like. Kyle always knows what I will like and for a guy, he has really good taste. He's always been drawn to modern homes and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">architecture, and I have always been drawn to older homes, that have character. But like I've said before, as I've gotten older, I've come to appreciate more modern homes, and have actually come to love them.</span><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">And being a photographer,I love light, natural light especially, so I love BIG windows, and they have become a must for me if/when Josh and I go to build (or buy) a house. </span><br /><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">So because I like big windows, here is a house that's almost all windows. And one that I instantly fell in love with. </span></div><br /><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 587px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 358px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4277557054_72c226c42e_o.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Love the warm lighting. I'd give my right arm to have this house... maybe</span></p><p><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 587px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 358px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4276810847_fd783c3a13_o.jpg" border="0" /></p><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 587px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 358px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2764/4277557112_5cc2f382ee_o.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">I love red, and I LOVE the use of it in the kitchen, I'd paint our cabinets red if Josh would agree to it! </span></p><p align="center"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 587px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 358px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4277557160_3dc87054d7_o.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Can you imagine the light that comes into this house? It would be even more amazing if it looked over a lake!</span> </p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Photos found </span><a href="http://www.homeqn.com/entry/amazing-glass-houses-for-a-luxurious-transparent-living/"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff6666;"><em>here</em></span></a></p><p align="left">Have a fabulous weekend! </p>Alyssa Lillegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323056802948939185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873348670641409230.post-48518929078238116452010-01-12T07:45:00.000-08:002010-01-12T07:59:48.357-08:00ExhaustionWe got word yesterday that life was going to be able to go back to normal, and after my initial tears, prayers, and telling everyone I knew that everything was going to be okay, I hit a wall. It was finally okay to relax, to stop holding my breath, but it was the middle of the day, so I wasn't going to sleep. Although I almost fell asleep on my laptop a few times. It took everything I had to wait til Josh got home to take a nap. We "rested" which isn't really rest when we are on the most uncomfortable couch in the world, and when the dog is sleeping on my face, for about an hour.<br /><br />Neither of us could sleep last night, I had too much running through my head. Prayers, and then the projects I need to take care of, and then details of the wedding I'm shooting next weekend. It starts to consume my sleep about two weeks before a wedding, and I was feeling good because I wasn't letting it take away from my sleep, but then I remembered last night that I had other things to worry about, so now I better start thinking about this wedding coming up. And there I am at 2 am thinking of poses, and time, and "Will this area work for the First Sight? Because the light over there is terrible." Josh tossed and turned too, and then the dog was on the bed. Yes, the dog was on the bed... Tossing, and turning and scratching, and running around. I was too tired to move her to her kennel, so there she "slept." Yea, I know it's bad to let her sleep with us.<br />And my mom will say, "You let a dog ruin your sleep?" This from a women who wouldn't let her kids on her side of the bed if they had a nightmare. That was dad's job. What a softy he was!<br /><br />So this weekend, I'm <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102); font-weight: bold;">hoping</span> I get to spend some time <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">recuperating</span>. I need to work, but maybe I'll work from bed underneath our new fluffy down comforter! I wish I had this room to sleep in, I love everything about it. Oh what I would give to have a room just like that! Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4268548417_affd0cf4fe_o.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 496px; height: 496px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4268548417_affd0cf4fe_o.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:85%;" >Not sure where the photo is from, I found it online a LONG time ago and saved it to my files. </span><br /></div>Alyssa Lillegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323056802948939185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873348670641409230.post-16278358141947551202010-01-05T08:18:00.000-08:002010-01-05T08:41:36.343-08:00Quote of the Day<a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4248488206_8dc4100465_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 756px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4248488206_8dc4100465_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Moon River might be my favorite song of all time. It's right up there with "Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty. There is just something about this song that is magical. I decided awhile ago that because I don't know any nursery rhymes (neither did my mom) I will sing Moon River to my kids. I'm also going to sing La Vie En Rose. Is it totally ridiculous that I already know what I'm going to sing to children I don't even have yet? </div><div> </div><div>I tested it out on the dog the other day, Bella seems to like music, so when she was really tired, but too over stimulated to sleep, I sang to her and out she went. Yes, I'm not the crazy lady that sings to her dog. Whatever works, right? I suggest you go have a listen. The best versions are by Audrey Hepburn, Andy Williams, and Jane Monheit.</div><div> </div><div>Have a magical day! </div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Photo via: </span><a href="http://weheartit.com/"><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff6666;">weheartit</span></em></a></div><div></div>Alyssa Lillegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323056802948939185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873348670641409230.post-24923124655505419932010-01-04T15:00:00.000-08:002010-01-04T15:58:39.330-08:00AdversityWe are still dealing with our whopper of a start to 2010, so posting will be pretty light until this adversity has passed, I hope it passes soon. I have been brought to my knees once again, and am reeling on how to pick myself back up, and wondering how I am going to be able to shoulder the burden, and handle these next few weeks of not knowing with a heavy heart.<br /><div><div>The only thing I have to hold onto is my faith. I'm praying for peace and strength along with so many other things these days. If you are reading this, any prayers for me and Josh and our family would be much appreciated. The power of prayer is such a comfort. I hope to be back to regular posting soon! Have a blessed week! </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423027484045901410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 319px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDz6YO06kJq86YuD1HSSohvlNK1M8KJuvsI5UCJia9XCI_0zjrcroqDkb6NFA4dZwNfJ339MOMggOBv_lSEMX1o0nkWoT8aRSNLBq2Zsz1d5MXp-kcQPxcCpAmvVtw89aDjgI0MmLRhjI/s400/stripped.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423027619342100882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 232px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrc4Wet_new5ouFjlleL16cRvoo6GotQ-QoJ7wi8cmRSj_z23UgfClHUQYOlkLHYYOVSzEnKucDtflqRwnnizWb7q4bxZu95omraZxA_K9SxvtDwJrTrGBDLzefgUOMLLgT_AHw2JT33Y/s400/Adversity2.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><br /><p align="center">Photo via: <a href="http://designismine.blogspot.com/"><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff6666;">Design Is Mine</span></em></a> Photo By: <a href="http://lanecoder.com/"><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff6666;">Lane Coder</span></em></a></p>Alyssa Lillegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323056802948939185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873348670641409230.post-63133597587218515212009-12-30T09:34:00.000-08:002009-12-30T10:39:21.593-08:00New Years Resolutions 2010<div>It probably seems like I have fallen off the face of the earth, and there have been days this month when I actually thought I had. We had a family emergency (that continues) at the beginning of the month, that has taken up more than all of my time, and has left me running around most days like a chicken with my head cut off (gross I know, but that was the most fitting analogy). I tend to be a pretty organized person when it comes to most things (except for where I put my keys, and why can't I find my phone in my purse? Did I lose it)? I solved the phone in purse problem by finally finding a phone cover that I could see in the black abyss I call my purse. I forked over $3.43 on a pink cover for my LG ENV 2 (I think that's what model it is). </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I did so much running around and so much freaking out about the whole situation (which I am also continuing to do) that I started making mistakes that I never would have if my head was attached to the rest of my body the right way. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>When you run your own business (unless you are just gifted in running business) you kind of run on the saying, "Everything is trial and error." This doesn't work? okay we'll throw it out and try something new. I'm pretty sure that's just life in general. I made a boo boo earlier in the month where I am going to end up costing myself money rather than making it, and I was mad, boy was I mad. Not so much about not making the money, although, that's how I run my business, you have to make money to run a successful business, but I was more mad that I made a mistake that I wouldn't have normally made if I haven't been spending the last month constantly running around at warp speed. Josh said to me, "Live and Learn" and you do. You live, and along the way you learn what works, and what doesn't. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>About this time last year I was making big plans for big resolutions. This year, I have a few goals I've set for myself, but none of them are enormous. I've almost met one of them before the year has even started, so when I reach my goal (not if because I won't stand for if) then I will make myself a new goal and move from there. I was the classic case of making my goals too lofty, a little too big for my ambition at least, and found myself mourning the loss of my made goals somewhere mid February, and then completely forgetting what I had set out to do all together. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>And what kept me from making these goals? Myself. Fear of taking risks is something that I have always suffered from. I planned on living in Montesano my whole life until Josh came along, and in a few months had flown 13 hours by myself across the world to live in Europe for a few months. No support system, just me and Josh and a huge world that I knew nothing about. I made some of the best friends while I was over there. One of my very closest soul friends was the only person I wanted to talk to when all this mess happened. Because she knows how I felt, and until you have been through something like this, you can never understand how it feels. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Like I said, this year my goals are less exciting, but I think they are more important for living a good life. I've found that I've wasted alot of time wallowing in my sorrows, wondering why things haven't happened, so this year I'm making them happen and I'll let the chips fall where they may. It's time for action not idleness.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So my New Years Resolution for 2010: </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Laugh more, cry less; Love more, worry less; work smarter, learn more; create more, forgive more. Indulge, see new places, take more risks, Be closer to God, be better at business, Give back, connect with people, inspire and be inspired, find a little peace, and just enjoy life.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span style="color:#ff6666;"></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421099918343781970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBoLKk29-SmNOMVQQESQVDxU58VBiTI78JIhL_o4K5RDGL9msPWIdBjhxEB4YqxYtZZanQUq7DYrPSxLzlq2ju4mAoTeKvA3mdzVb2NGdCq2jkqbpb80Gh1XHJDwZwI7_om8SRw-di0s/s400/Love+Sun+Flare.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#999999;"><em>Photo by: </em></span><a href="http://www.maxwangerblog.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff6666;"><em>Max Wagner</em></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;color:#999999;"><em> Found Via: <a href="http://weheartit.com/"><span style="color:#ff6666;">We Heart It</span></a></em></span></p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#999999;"></span></em> </p><p align="left"><span style="color:#000000;">I pray that your 2010 will be a blessed year for you... Happy New Year:) </span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#999999;"><span style="font-size:100%;color:#000000;">Alyssa</span> </span></p>Alyssa Lillegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323056802948939185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873348670641409230.post-90789974752265332272009-12-08T12:15:00.000-08:002009-12-08T12:23:27.936-08:00MIASorry I've been MIA. I don't know how often I will be around in the next week or so. I found this while looking at Tiffany's. This is what I'm asking for, for Christmas,the Onyx Carved Heart Pendant. It comes in a few other colors. But Josh's wedding ring is made of onyx, and we both love onyx so its only fitting! Its a little out of the price range Josh and I try to stick to for Christmas. But, I thought I'd throw it on the list anyway. Every Christmas list needs a pretty piece of jewelry, and from Tiffany's! What are you asking for this Christmas? <div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412963221060217922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSz3Smt4b_zENhnXJvDgt_7MgvZ1nhK8nrwq_r9c2yQbz2z61vZpRHTIezoM2hrxhPPypPlaToKVw8ZBtdv-q-_gjRK0qZ7hT0hZXOFyf3mraU_R4n5D1tIu2QYqykeL-TpVwvDB73Y-w/s400/Tiffany+necklace.jpg" border="0" /></div>Alyssa Lillegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323056802948939185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873348670641409230.post-73025818860702894702009-12-01T10:44:00.000-08:002009-12-01T10:49:21.702-08:00Love Actually is... All AroundFinally a post, even though it's a small one. I've been really busy working away, and spending time with family over Thanksgiving weekend. I'm trying to get back into the swing of things! I was spoiled last week. It was Josh's and my 2nd anniversary. We picked up our puppy last Tuesday, and have been chasing her around ever since! I Love, Love Actually. I saw it in the theater the day it came out, and I left feeling so much lighter than I had when I walked in. In the wake of so many tragedies over the last month or so, we need a reminder that there is love still left in the world. That people are inherently good, and that we really do love each other, even if it's not displayed in a huge way. May this be a reminder of the love that is all around this Christmas season!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2568/4150988140_946fc378f9_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 485px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 325px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2568/4150988140_946fc378f9_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2789/4150225641_0797f3e066.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2789/4150225641_0797f3e066.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Alyssa Lillegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323056802948939185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873348670641409230.post-36369992473463820442009-11-24T08:45:00.000-08:002009-11-24T09:35:29.670-08:00Christmas DecorIt seems like a century ago that I posted last (I tend to exaggerate). Last week was an extremely busy week, and this week is the same story. I'm going to TRY to take today off, being as it's my anniversary, but I'm sure I will be sneaking in some editing time tonight or later this afternoon when we get home from picking up our new puppy! I have two beautiful ladies to edit from my Boudoir Session on Saturday, and a house to prepare for company. This is our (Josh an me) year hosting Thanksgiving. Josh is going all out with the turkey, making a brine of Allspice Berries, Peppercorns, Brown sugar, and Crystallized Ginger. I ran around the grocery store yesterday trying to hunt all of that down while trying to weave in and out of the mess of people that's exponentially growing by the hour, as we get closer to the Holiday. I was successful though! And found everything I needed.<br /><div><div> </div><div>While I was hunting the wine section, I came across the classiest of wines, Lambrusco, and just had to buy a bottle. Lambrusco accompanies some very good memories of the time we spent together in Europe. We couldn't afford anything else, and it was so easily accessible in Germany. It might not be great, but it's very nostalgic, so I bought a bottle for $5 and I will enjoy that bottle of wine probably more than any other!</div><div> </div><div>I haven't written a Thanksgiving post, so I feel a little bad skipping the Holiday and going straight to Christmas. I tend to do that because I love Christmas so much. I start watching Christmas movies around June. Do I prepare and buy gifts too? No. That would be too organized. I've been dreaming about the Christmas decoration theme I'm going to go with. I've always wanted a color theme. I remember my mom always saying that we just have a mish mash of different decorations, and nothing really goes together. She's right, but it holds memories. We still put up the same holiday plate and figurine set. The paper wreaths made from our hands. And Josh and I have taken some of our ornaments from when we were kids and combined them into our own mish mash of things. </div><br /><div>This year I'm hoping to add a color scheme. I'm thinking blue and silver. Next year I hope to do a different color, then I can just rotate them as I see fit. </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407723896666504546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 313px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZIKR5Vvla5gggZmo7-B_ELht8n3UcZkdAng9PbluNBMKN8qHvNlqfD3q42F2hhgSQCSIWh01N03sKibmwHBaV-6deEC5ItQjbTiUad5OOrsOMFnftYqobIxY3UDw3nNNMep0nOTPwEo/s400/Silver+Christmas.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">I love how bright and airy this room is. Silver, white and cream are perfect for this room.</span> </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407723840137130226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoUlAEN-akz1D6BK2R5IVuNjstmBuSzMKDwYQ8ya98zZS_a81uhcp8m34ZdjPWIkFnisFVvzCSFxFck38tKV9tRsDrTVFmNfEOYAHSWgUPv591BYIqKhBquuU0uKFkUJQouhA9bnArpM/s400/Christmas+Dining+Room.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Not silver, but of course this use of cranberry red caught my eye. I love red.</span> </p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#666666;"><em>Photos via </em><a href="http://countryliving.com/"><span style="color:#ff6666;"><em>Country Living</em></span></a><em>, and </em><a href="http://gdlaneinteriors.ie/blog/"><span style="color:#ff6666;"><em>Garrendenny Lane Interiors</em></span></a></span></p>Alyssa Lillegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323056802948939185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873348670641409230.post-18372798117645159562009-11-18T14:50:00.000-08:002009-11-18T15:22:25.771-08:00Reason 435 For Wanting A DaughterI've been dreaming about having children from the time I received my first doll. I'm pretty sure that was the bald cabbage patch one that I called Sissy Marie, and the bigger blond yarn haired cabbage patch doll I named Charlie (short for Charlotte). I carried my dolls everywhere. And of course I had 500 of them. The water baby, a dreamland baby, and American Girl doll, a Crissy Doll that was my mom's, a PJSparkles, A Gerber baby doll. Seriously, the list NEVER ends...The only list that was longer was the list of barbies that all looked the same. Finally Barbie figured it out and started offering up just outfits, so I could accessorize with Fifth Ave. clothing without ditching Barbie number 3,254 for a new outfit and a new pair of shoes. Oh how little things change...I loved my dolls, until they creeped me out with their lifeless eyes, and I put them in a drawer never to be looked at again.<br /><div><div><div><div><div> </div><div>Like I said, I've been dreaming about having children forever, and I've been dreaming about having a daughter for just as long. There are a million reasons I want a daughter. I want a couple daughters actually. I always wanted a sister, one that I could scream at, argue about stealing each others clothes, but really having that deep connection with someone that had shared my life, but had a completely different story to tell. </div><br /><div>We all know by now that I have an addiction to clothes and shoes. That was apparent when I bought an amazing pair of shoes by Calvin Klein the other day before heading out for a birthday party. They are divine... We just won't tell my husband how much they really cost. I told him the were $40 off. That's all he needs to know;) </div><br /><div>I've never taken the time to check out Crew Cuts over at the J.Crew website, because I know that I will fall madly in love, and I just don't know if I can bear to swoon over children's clothes any more than I already do. I had a weak moment, and took a peek and almost died at the preciousness and I'm pretty sure that's not even a word. So I grabbed a couple outfits that I thought were cute. And some that I would want. I hope my daughter likes skirts and dresses. I <strong>think</strong> the coat is my favorite. It's in a pewter gray color. AH!</div><br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 393px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 393px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2669/4116193930_78f90fdac8_o.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 393px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 393px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/4115427147_8e8bc61ce1_o.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 393px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 393px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2675/4115426339_64fd64ebdd_o.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p> </p><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 393px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 393px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2644/4115426997_dc7bf715f4_o.jpg" border="0" /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 393px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 393px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2548/4115426511_6eef2465a9_o.jpg" border="0" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">I obviously have a soft spot for gray and pink... Ruffles, and rosettes. Can you tell? These outfits are so cute it hurts to think about a little girl with brown little curls and blue eyes. It's just too much!</span> </p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Navigation/CrewCuts.jsp"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff6666;"><em>Crew Cuts</em></span></a> <span style="font-size:85%;color:#666666;"><em>Clothing by<span style="color:#ff6666;"> </span><a href="http://jcrew.com/"><span style="color:#ff6666;">J.Crew</span></a></em></span></p><p> </p>Alyssa Lillegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323056802948939185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873348670641409230.post-13496456186093038782009-11-17T14:12:00.000-08:002009-11-17T14:15:36.971-08:00Quote of the Day<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2654/4112711963_a7e0999187_o.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 522px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 612px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2654/4112711963_a7e0999187_o.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#666666;">Photo found </span></em><a href="http://www.moviepicturedb.com/picture/fed4d7e6"><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#ff6666;">here</span></em></a></div>Alyssa Lillegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323056802948939185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873348670641409230.post-75870866269537919392009-11-13T07:48:00.000-08:002009-11-13T07:52:33.291-08:00Happy Celebration Weekend!I'm headed out today to a birthday celebration! The only thing that would get me more excited for today? Sun. It's terrible weather here. Leave it to the Northwest... Saturday night and Sunday are my recoup/prep days for a busy busy week ahead. Have a fabulous weekend! Ciao!<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 306px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2535/4100958694_d960ee1f74_o.png" border="0" />Alyssa Lillegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323056802948939185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873348670641409230.post-36413630985209142242009-11-12T13:15:00.000-08:002009-11-12T13:23:55.540-08:00Oh Christmas TreeI've been waiting to share my favorite Christmas tree pictures until it got closer to the Holidays. I really really really want a white, or pink Christmas tree, but Josh just isn't having it. I purchased a small hot pink tree at Target a few months ago. At the time, that was the closest I could get to the pink I wanted. Now Target has a full size white tree (sigh) for $200. A little too rich for my blood. One day I will have a white tree... or a pink one. I won't give up.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403329591839583154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 361px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlTrSh1Wx_qZgEmh_9By-ZOOBIHf1SUde150fG3Sx5AG1WFDRBxfZHSGRhoEM-5gAaW7v7XUBfVzCzgRc08rAkLeNCLU0GoDTCf2J4ybLHV69mOMgPNAasLRUq5lloX42lq4NSRd_SDA/s400/White+Christmas+Tree.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403329931851157202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 316px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBdkar-iBJTSy8-2Pb1mQg-U3pEWQXKY2oRLTpV5OmQSUPnbM6A6zTMuRqpsltteX-WmtDtQrbgcBfJ6EmAywlG3OmiKqAO4OinI6Cdgbktt662kQhruPhtIuNJND_mEwoaUUyGVDpCnY/s400/Pink+Christmas+Tree.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;color:#999999;"><em>White Tree via <a href="http://apartmenttherapy.com/"><span style="color:#ff6666;">Apartment Therapy</span></a><span style="color:#ff6666;">,</span> Pink Tree Via Blueprint Magazine</em></span></p>Alyssa Lillegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323056802948939185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873348670641409230.post-53384196512813908712009-11-11T10:12:00.000-08:002009-11-11T10:16:40.028-08:00Color For Love<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vS_dih8cLn5_BLk2pfbLHfnfZpfLg4r07eZZYgCBl1RnPnzSJiLu0AZYN-e7Z6s_Xzypt2vA2SoOlnzr7AeqUJIvprEeJInnEvTmWLVW2029zuutcRaYk5Khq2uFBzXyo3wZovk4JS4/s1600-h/love+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402910696236539618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 254px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6vS_dih8cLn5_BLk2pfbLHfnfZpfLg4r07eZZYgCBl1RnPnzSJiLu0AZYN-e7Z6s_Xzypt2vA2SoOlnzr7AeqUJIvprEeJInnEvTmWLVW2029zuutcRaYk5Khq2uFBzXyo3wZovk4JS4/s400/love+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a><em><span style="color:#ff6666;"> Just click on the photo to read the quote better!:)</span></em><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;color:#999999;"><em>Photo credit: <a href="http://kittysyellowjacket.deviantart.com/art/Nous-142890357"><span style="color:#ff6666;">Kittys Yellow Jacket</span></a> found via <a href="http://weheartit.com/"><span style="color:#ff6666;">weheartit</span></a></em></span></div>Alyssa Lillegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323056802948939185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873348670641409230.post-80862842752605029202009-11-11T08:26:00.000-08:002009-11-11T08:48:39.711-08:00Birthday<div align="left">Today is my Friend Beka's birthday. And I'm so excited to celebrate her 21st birthday with her. She is the last of us to turn 21. Almost a year and a half behind me, and before she joined our group of friends, I was the youngest. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Beka is the best kind of friend, one that knows more about me than I would probably like anyone to know. She has seen me at my worst, and she has seen me at my very best, and has never faltered in our friendship. Our friendship comes easy,picking up where we left off, spending hours talking and helping each other through the problems life throws at us. When I need someones advice, and voice of reason, I talk to Beka, because I know she will tell me what she really feels. I can go in to a conversation feeling broken, and ready to give up, but something in her confidence and assurance in who I am, and who I want to be always has me leaving with new hope. Being a friend like that is a gift, an art, and she has it in spades. It has been such a blessing to have Beka as a best friend. Beka, thank you for your kind words, and advice, and most of all your friendship. I am so blessed to have you in my life! Happy Birthday Beka! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 666px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2777/4095146937_f3430824e8_o.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em><span style="color:#999999;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Lily Donaldson and Jessica Stam found via </span><a href="http://stardustandsequins.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-size:78%;color:#ff6666;">Stardust and Sequins</span></a><br /></p></span></em>Alyssa Lillegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323056802948939185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873348670641409230.post-20237271381036968622009-11-10T09:45:00.000-08:002009-11-10T09:52:17.138-08:00I Love These So Much It HurtsBefore I head out on errands, I wanted to share these pumps I found last night while perusing the <a href="http://piperlime.com/"><span style="color:#ff6666;"><em>Piperlime</em></span></a> website, of course they aren't in my size, and my mother told me to leave it alone because I'll only be more disappointed when I can find them in my size and can't have them. I tracked them down at <a href="http://www.neimanmarcus.com/"><span style="color:#ff6666;"><em>Neiman Marcus</em></span></a>, and I'm going to look elsewhere as well. There are no words for these heels. I've never wanted a pair of pumps more than I want this pair, forget about the $350 price tag, I must have them. This is one of those times when I wish I had won the lottery. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402533704420917330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLfEyXG9qmoLQ_ZyCXxzMULopMR-n9fiCcmJFwUj3gbuJU4jyGOuAVHgDvN23_DQegoKWbe8Jd-HGLLVOOIeffs5HoLGX4AZ9Y1i35YTw9mNlYYizSVJMU6wN2XrYTbM_j5xNpdWbsiQ/s400/Nanette+Lepore+Sweetheart+Pump.jpg" border="0" /><br />The come in black on the Neiman Marcus website, but black does not do these magnificent heels justice. I'm off to sulk for awhile. Have a wonderful morning!Alyssa Lillegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323056802948939185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873348670641409230.post-48985871890167514342009-11-09T13:18:00.000-08:002009-11-09T13:25:29.540-08:00Betsey Johnson Kilburn Suede BootiesFall is definitely my favorite season, and it's made more so because the fashion for this season is also my favorite. I'm a firm believer that you can never have too many pairs of boots and too many jackets. I only have four pairs of boots and seven jackets (that doesn't include winter coats like Northface jackets), and I'm always on the hunt for a good pair of riding type boots, and lately I've been in love with booties. I have yet to purchase a pair of riding boots, but I have just recently purchased a pair of booties. While hunting down a pair of boots from Piperlime, I found these Betsey Johnson booties that I would love to add to my collection. I can't stop staring.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402217751471442642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9Tku_9qUkqyKupeXW8TegsM3uarXLcDEp0oGBeQ6yFh6IIdtlP1WzsAmLHuRidkZU0Wk9C1Sv0RYEou_UoCROpP7xe24PyrSaljz_9s_slqWrjMnEE4v_0meZf3NFH11bs9Nw7SVbus/s400/Betsy+Johnson+Boot.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402217879723068642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-shPyDi53L9SDNuxw4pLND14cKtUwGxBov-Vul3lUhQzpnLI-OZUz-r0Y6jHAe9YzwT3dr3MC_F1J8B43hVE2IcvuFBKzYekXRe47t_RUQIb3RrMHRmNOSn5mh80H7KFEB_a8rlMi0Q/s400/Betsy+Johnson+Boot+2.jpg" border="0" />Alyssa Lillegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323056802948939185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873348670641409230.post-65265863394109205942009-11-09T11:21:00.000-08:002009-11-09T11:49:21.210-08:00Clothbound BeautiesI love books. There are only a few things I love more than books.When I was a kid, I would get more excited running through the aisles of books at Barnes and Noble, than I ever did at Toys R Us. By the way, the way Toys R Us is spelled has always bothered me, even as a child I knew it was promoting illiteracy in children across America. Anyway, now that we have that little fun fact, I can go on with my post about books. It's one of my new goals, to read and purchase classics. I am a book buyer. I don't remember the last time I went to the library, sad I know, but I just can't bring myself to return a book after it has been read, so I buy books. And no, it's not a waste of money because I usually read them more than once. Books are comforting to me. Once I'm finished reading a book, I'm so excited, but there is that little bit of sadness that takes awhile to go away until I find another book that I can't wait to immerse myself in. I'm reading a set of books right now, but I'm already dreading the day that I finish the last book. I'm still sulking over finishing The Time Traveler's Wife, and that was like 7 books ago. <div><div><br /><div>But like I said, I'm making it a point to have some of the classics, and while I was on <em><a href="http://anthropologie.com/"><span style="color:#ff6666;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Anthropologie</span></span></a></em> looking for a pair of boots to swoon over I came across these stunning <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=&id=973853&catId=HOME-EMPORIUM&pushId=HOME-EMPORIUM&popId=HOME&sortProperties=&navCount=0&navAction=jump&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=018&colorName=BLACK%20&%20WHITE&isSubcategory=&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=B1"><span style="color:#ff6666;"><em>cloth bound</em></span></a> books of 6 classics. I've read all or part of five of them. I have 2 copies of Sense and Sensibility and my favorite book of all time Pride and Prejudice. I purchased the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Novels-Penguin-Classics-Deluxe/dp/0143039504/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257795513&sr=8-1"><span style="color:#ff6666;"><em>Jane Austen Complete Novels Penguin Classic Deluxe Addition</em></span></a> when I was a Sophomore in college. I decided that instead of choosing eight poems to dissect, I would choose eight Jane Austen novels. So I blew through eight Jane Austen Novels, not stopping to really enjoy any of them except for Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice, which I had previously read anyway. I'm planning on rereading the other six books. So while I already have both of the Jane Austen novels that are available cloth bound, I want another copy, which would bring my total to three of the same book. And like I've said, I just can't bring myself to get rid of the other copies. </div><br /><div>The cloth bound books available at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Anthropologie</span> are: The Picture of Dorian Gray (one of my favorites as a child), Sense and Sensibility, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Wuthering</span> Heights, Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, and Great Expectations. </div><br /><div>Great Expectations is at the top of my list because it's the only one that I haven't cracked open, and then maybe Dorian Gray because it's the only other one I don't own. </div><br /><div>They are so beautiful! Go take a look! </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402192700087278210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RzZVL9Bf6qlAj24unOfhx640p9XsTEx7Qcv7irFPWrZg8rcXWDGdRKOJqNhqCAf1XdZUGJ-1uBnuDwxAIJ-_KGeJBN-lFvIPhp_wm_aTHrVesJWxKDFJ120vkkME7a8Bw2aWLBpkh20/s400/Dorian+Gray.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402192796081736146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCo3H_MO4sTZXJpKKYGJdd8EXfLWcV13KenUZIiOuqzzZq_QPhlIhiw4cd4uZdnbyXrCwTr8ZJZqQ8h_h1PFuyVjzfJiIL04CBfZVnGo6MhoTOGcFC9asoBOD01efxz63MbQcS2IfZlA/s400/Jane+Eyre.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402192979153217250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYHzOv6Ap-65GWqzsFiEKTdHyRDkPzaWpG3SNWmzgXmatYoxOC4zmHhmjcEEKIK_WH7ZxWedPyuPAZxC8ZpdQVry6K_TbfviN0So7QTCTNTkThLNCuTSy4DSeBVYc93xrUkoTGwKI24I/s400/Great+Expectations.jpg" border="0" />Alyssa Lillegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323056802948939185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873348670641409230.post-76497380957007073242009-11-06T17:50:00.001-08:002009-11-09T11:49:29.692-08:00AdorableI won't have time to post tomorrow, so I wanted to share these adorable little coffee cups. I want to drink my coffee from one of these. Mostly the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">hounds tooth</span> one:) These are genius! Have a wonderful weekend! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401173928004348034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 265px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlD1_-RsKA5iZ2C9P7QOihAYoE9DnFt_VT86bFehQ7SbYuqdwUVEMLgxgSe5YarhSwmnN1OJF1C9afjNFnQb1jsbR-9luYzZqSzMxINHwzqtQMx4VtY5PG5CRS51L3D2VK8NMbXi4SdA/s400/Mallard+Cups.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#999999;"><em>Designed by: <a href="http://www.sarah-walsh.co.uk/"><span style="color:#ff6666;">Sarah Walsh</span></a></em></span></p>Alyssa Lillegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323056802948939185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873348670641409230.post-78723852834820224222009-11-06T14:04:00.001-08:002009-11-09T11:49:35.368-08:00Quote of the Day<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWVdt2lu6z-2EiqApb1rOznPupRJ-3QlHOhj5qf9i9hzaf5VJDWs0xYhtOZhBDY3LkeEQhCqFxuehMeTSKCjNUjYYhuJdbXn_zaSvSHKBBt58NdjrMUQy1g7-fItipvMvilpSrDB2hxw/s1600-h/Windows+of+my+soul.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401114976424640610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 384px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrWVdt2lu6z-2EiqApb1rOznPupRJ-3QlHOhj5qf9i9hzaf5VJDWs0xYhtOZhBDY3LkeEQhCqFxuehMeTSKCjNUjYYhuJdbXn_zaSvSHKBBt58NdjrMUQy1g7-fItipvMvilpSrDB2hxw/s400/Windows+of+my+soul.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;color:#999999;"><em>Photo found via <span style="color:#ff6666;"><a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/860397"><span style="color:#ff6666;">weheartit</span><br /></a></span></em></span><br /></div>Alyssa Lillegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323056802948939185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873348670641409230.post-58484597276303036412009-11-06T10:34:00.000-08:002009-11-09T11:49:42.161-08:00A Little VintageI've started prepping for a Boudoir Session I'm doing on the 16th, so again, I won't be posting anything too exciting. I'm so excited for this session, so I wanted to start working on it right away. I've been so busy this week, I haven't really had time to think about it much aside from booking the appointment and keeping in touch with my client. So today I'm taking some time to gather a little inspiration for the shoot. I'm always looking for things to inspire me and this image was tucked away last week sometime in hopes of getting to use it fo another session when it came along. Well I'll be pulling this one out for the 16th. I love the vintage feel:) Have a wonderful weekend lovlies!<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 425px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 544px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2795/4080408127_93a548c0ef_o.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#999999;"><em>Model is Jessica Stam</em></span> </p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Photo found <a href="http://dothinkzebras.blogspot.com/2009/04/blog-post_15.html"><span style="color:#ff6666;">here</span></a></em></span></p><p><em></em> </p>Alyssa Lillegardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09323056802948939185noreply@blogger.com0