New Years Resolutions 2010

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

So my New Years Resolution for 2010:

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.

Photo by: Max Wagner Found Via: We Heart It

I pray that your 2010 will be a blessed year for you... Happy New Year:)

Alyssa

MIA

Sorry 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?

Love Actually is... All Around

Finally 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!

Christmas Decor

It 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.

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!

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.

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.

I love how bright and airy this room is. Silver, white and cream are perfect for this room.

Not silver, but of course this use of cranberry red caught my eye. I love red.

Photos via Country Living, and Garrendenny Lane Interiors

Reason 435 For Wanting A Daughter

I'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.

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.

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;)

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 think the coat is my favorite. It's in a pewter gray color. AH!

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!

Crew Cuts Clothing by J.Crew

Quote of the Day

Photo found here

Happy 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!

Oh Christmas Tree

I'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.

White Tree via Apartment Therapy, Pink Tree Via Blueprint Magazine

Color For Love

Just click on the photo to read the quote better!:)

Photo credit: Kittys Yellow Jacket found via weheartit

Birthday

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.

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!

Lily Donaldson and Jessica Stam found via Stardust and Sequins

I Love These So Much It Hurts

Before I head out on errands, I wanted to share these pumps I found last night while perusing the Piperlime 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 Neiman Marcus, 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.
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!

Betsey Johnson Kilburn Suede Booties

Fall 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.

Clothbound Beauties

I 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.

But like I said, I'm making it a point to have some of the classics, and while I was on Anthropologie looking for a pair of boots to swoon over I came across these stunning cloth bound 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 Jane Austen Complete Novels Penguin Classic Deluxe Addition 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.

The cloth bound books available at Anthropologie are: The Picture of Dorian Gray (one of my favorites as a child), Sense and Sensibility, Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, and Great Expectations.

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.

They are so beautiful! Go take a look!

Adorable

I 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 hounds tooth one:) These are genius! Have a wonderful weekend!

Designed by: Sarah Walsh

Quote of the Day

Photo found via weheartit

A Little Vintage

I'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!

Model is Jessica Stam

Photo found here

Yes, Please!

I frequent J.Crew regularly... Like every other day. Do I have anything from J. Crew? No, I can't afford anything from there, but that doesn't stop me from dreaming about Cashmere sweaters and $300 purses. There's no hope for me. I saw these in the "sleepwear" section this morning! I don't know how attractive the would be on, because you have to be stick straight to wear these. and, although I'm thin, I don't think it would be flattering to see my hips sticking out. But hey, like I said, I can dream! These would be so fun to wear while reading a book in front of a fire. I need to find other hobbies besides reading it looks like. Anyway! Go here to view more details about J. Crew's Classic Union Suit Pajamas. I want mine in Navy blue!

Photos found here

Fabulous Modern Architecture

I never used to be a fan of modern architecture, but after months of perusing Apartment Therapy, I've come to love modern homes just as much as I love older homes. And I never thought I would read the Twilight books let alone post about the "Cullen House" on my blog. I am in fact in the process of reading the "Twilight Saga."I finished the third book this morning, and will start on the fourth one tonight. I do like them, as much as a twenty something year old can like a book about teen love. I've told Josh I would like it a whole lot more if it in fact didn't involve teenagers. I'm not a fan of teenagers, I didn't like teenagers when I was one. It's a nice love story, unrealistic as it is. It's a little obsessive for me, but hey, it's light reading. I have jumped on the Robert Pattinson bandwagon, he is kind of cute, not cute enough for me to plaster my walls with magazine tear outs, and stickers on the back of my car like I saw today in the Safeway parking lot, but cute in a disheveled sort of way... Not as much in the movie. I like my guys with a little more rugged look. He's way too pretty in the movie for my taste. I like a little stubble.

Anyway, what really took my breath away, about the movie the second time I saw it, was the Cullen House. I didn't really appreciate the house when the movie came out earlier in the year (or was it last year?) I don't remember. Anyway, the second time around, my heart skipped a beat for this not so little house out in the woods. It's stunning. The house is nothing like they describe in the book, but I think I like the movie version of the house better. And since Josh doesn't appreciate Modern like I do, my brother and I have decided to win the lottery, and we figure it's big enough for us to live in without bothering each other. Josh can have a separate house, no biggie.

So if you like Modern architecture this is a dream house! At least it is for me. Enjoy!

Thehe Hoke House is by Architect Jeff Kovel from Skylab Architecture

Photos found here

What I'm Doing Today!

So after I made the trek to the grocery store (yuck) this is what I've been working on for the last few hours... Learning how to customize my holiday cards. I figured it out! So I've gotten alot accomplished today, but never as much as I want to! Here's a sample I've what I've been working on all day! This is one of my all time favorite photos. Erica looks amazing! Hopefully tomorrow I will be posting on some modern architecture I fell in love with! Stay tuned!

Stunning

I do have blog posting that I want to get to, but today is another busy day for me. I'm putting off the wifely duties of running errands like going to the grocery store. Instead, I'm working. Which really is a good excuse, but I know I'm going to hate going to the store just as much later as I am now. This photo totally stopped me in my tracks this morning. It's one of those photos I just can't bring myself to pull away from. Here's hoping you have a wonderful Tuesday!

Found here Photo By: Norbert Schoerner

The Little Black Dress

I love a little black dress....And a collar...And rosettes... I'm a firm believer that everyone needs a little black dress...Or two... Or three. I have four. And I'm always on the look out for another perfect black dress. I found these beautiful black dresses by Jill Lindsey today. I want them all, they are so fabulous!

Spring/Summer 2010 Collection

Fall/Winter 2009

To see more dresses click here

Dreamy

Well I'm secluded to the bed today trying to get rid of a headache that has been plaguing me since last night. I'm can finally feel it start to go away, but it's already 2:30, and that means I've practically wasted the day in bed. It gave me a chance to work on booking another Boudoir Session, and work on some other Boudoir stuff that I've been meaning to do, but took a back seat to all the other stuff that has been going on these last couple weeks. The headache is a result of stress due to something not working right yesterday. It's sad really that things like that ruin my day so easily. Now two days actually. But I wasn't completely worthless as I got a few things done from bed, and then later, I'm going to attempt to get the Christmas card templates downloaded that I tried to get downloaded yesterday with no luck. I need Josh's support for that. Maybe more like someone to yell at when I can't get it figured out. That poor guy is the sweetest husband.

I came across some of these dreamy photos while visiting my favorite blog, Coco & Kelley this morning, like I do every day, numerous times a day. I had to take a look at more of Maude Arsenault's work for myself. Enjoy, and hopefully I will be back in working order tomorrow! Have a wonderful Monday afternoon!

Photo by: Maude Arsenault Found via Simply Seductive

A Quote For Today

Image found via We Heart It

Bliss

It seems to be one of those days when I'm just a little behind on everything, so today's blog post will have to be a quick one. While I was in Target trying on a sweater I was going to tell Josh when he asked where it came from that "Oh this? It's been in the closet forever!" He gave me a call to ask where I was, because he was home for the afternoon. He wanted to get one last day in of hunting and wanted me to go with him. Bleh. I agreed to go on the stipulation that I would not be helping him drag anything back to the truck. I sat in his truck for two and a half hours while he did his manly stuff and I read my book. I got nothing done that I wanted to get accomplished today, but I did get some of my book read. Reading is always a nice way to "waste" away the day. So like I said, I'm behind on absolutely everything today. And, that story about the sweater I was going to pitch him was out the window to because he was going to see it as soon as I walked in the door anyway.

Without further ado, here is a photo of what might be the most beautiful office I have ever seen. At least I think it is an office. It's an office area, anyway. It's no secret that I love natural light. I say it every day, and I also say everyday that I want huge windows in our future house. I mean huge, floor to ceiling windows would be perfect. I would give anything if I could look out these windows every day while I work. I like the view from my office, but this must be spectacular. I would spend all day in there, and only emerge to use the restroom and gather more snacks and coffee. It's perfect. Everything about it is perfect about this space. I really wish Josh would let me paint our hardwood floor white... That would never happen, but one can dream right?

So this is the space I am dreaming of today. Have a wonderful Halloween weekend!

I cannot for the life of me remember where I found this photo.

Light and Airy

As a general rule, which many of you who read this blog know by now, if there is anything expensive to love, I find it. And while it's great to have expensive taste, there's nothing wrong with wanting good quality stuff, it doesn't fit within my budget 99% of the time. So I'm left with finding ways to improvise. I'm all for having one expensive piece, and a piece that I can compromise with that is a little more practical in the price area. Although, again as many of you know, I am anything but practical.

Case in point, I have a beautiful homemade desk my father- in- law built me in place of a desk I found at World Market for (I think it was $100). I don't know how much my desk cost to make, it doesn't matter. I love it, I can stand at it and still work perfectly. It has built in file drawers, and a book shelf on the other side. It's pretty perfect. The top is laminate so I can't ruin the desk if I write on a piece of paper. And on that desk is a $100 "Photographer's Task Table Lamp" I do have my priorities straight. A beautiful lamp that was purchased by my MIL and Josh's grandma for my birthday this year. Yes, I'm pretty much surrounded by the best gift givers in the world. Have I mentioned the World Market entry table we own in the living room given to us two Christmases ago by my mom? I'm loving the "piece of furniture every year for Christmas" thing. I'm hoping for a sofa or entertainment center this year.

Now that you've been told about my expensive taste, and my impracticality I can get to my point for the day. For our new bedroom, (the first time we've ever been able to paint might I add) I wanted to go for something light and airy. I am a huge fan of color in a room, thus the reason we are going for red on the walls in our living room. Forget having a cohesive look for the whole house, I like so many different styles, every room will have a different feel. Like I said, the bedroom I'm going for a light and airy look. As much as I like color, I also like non colors as well. My wardrobe is a testament to that. 90% of what I own is gray, black or white. A little navy blue is in there too. I'm a fan of classic looks, but I know I need to add a little color. Even the four items I bought two weeks ago while I a shopping trip were gray. Gray skinny jeans, which by the way are a size 2, just saying, 1 gunmetal gray top that has pockets in the front, and a gray leopard print blouse... and black booties. Sorry, I'm off topic again. As you can see, I like my gray. So what better color to paint the bedroom than gray? I believe that bedrooms are a sanctuary. I want our bedroom to be peaceful, a place to re energize and relax.

I've decided to go with a light gray, the color I chose, I think is a little too light, you can't tell that it's gray, but I think I have the perfect gray picked out now. I've picked out a really girly bedding, much to Josh's disappointment, so I'm going to offset the girliness with a few pops of a Kelly green type color. I don't know what I can use that's green, but I'm definitely on the hunt.I love the color green, its not too feminine, and I do have to remember sometimes that I have a husband. A husband who oddly cares about the interior look of the house. He cares about the weirdest stuff. He has fabulous taste. Case in point, our dining table, and the tuxes at our wedding. I told him what I liked, he was in agreement, walked into the shop all confident, said, "this shirt, this tie, this tux, and these shoes." We left 15 minutes later. We agreed on those two things, and have yet to agree on anything else :)

So because I am going to make him suffer with white bedding, with frilly gray detail, I'm going to use some green in there too, and the green is a go... At least it was the last time I talked to him. I'm also on the hunt for end tables for the bedroom. I was thinking white, but then I came across mirrored furniture, and fell in love. I'm doubting Josh will go for that, but I'm going to try to slip them in. They are a little modern, but I think they will work. Although, the ones I want are $400 dollars... A piece. So I will need to be on the look out for something reasonable.

To finish off the look I need a huge piece of art for behind the bed, to act as a headboard, and some sheer curtains. And if our room was big enough I would have two pretty little stools at the end of the bed.

Potterybarn mirrored bedside table

Perry Street Clock by Kate Spade


And this will go on my bedside table. Officially on my Christmas list

Ciao!

My Dream Sofa

Josh and I are currently on the look out for living room furniture. The horrendous mismatch of cream leather, and 1960's 70's ugly mustard chair mixed with a gloss white vanity, and dark wood dining table and entry table just isn't cutting it for me anymore. We are on an extreme budget, I'm hoping to use a little bit of the $8,000 tax credit we have coming our way to purchase a couple pieces of furniture. This is my dream couch. I don't care if you don't like it. It makes my heart skip a beat. Josh says it's not too bad, but doesn't look comfy. I really wouldn't care all that much about comfort if I got to look at this every day. We would probably have to pass on the whole having kids thing, because it's made of velvet too. Kids and velvet don't go hand and hand. No biggie. With a couch like this I wouldn't need kids;) I'm off to hunt down something more practical. Does anyone know where I can find a reasonably priced gray couch?

Look! It's even studded. There couldn't be a more wonderful couch. Sigh...

I Love Being A Girl

I don't know how many times over the last three and a half years that I've been with Josh that I've groaned, screamed, sighed the words, "I hate being a girl." The cramps, the insecurities, the drama, the crying,and the stressing... I mean really. Women are unpredictable. I am definitely a testament to that. We love with everything we have, we make decisions with our hearts when we should make decisions with our heads. But not all of those things are bad things. We are emotional, and passionate, loving and kind. We are attuned to the needs of others in a way that the opposite sex can never be. We have bonds with soul friends, that can't be broken, and we have the need to make connections with people. We have style, and class, beauty, and brains. A combination that cannot be stopped! And some of us are lucky enough to have men in our lives that drive us crazy, but realize when it comes down to it, they truly do adore us. We get to pamper ourselves, wear high heels, talk for hours, and laugh til we cry. So, as awful as it is to feel like you won't age as gracefully as your husband, or the dread you feel because that cellulite on the back of your legs just won't go away, remember that it really is a beautiful thing to be a woman. And love it.

Images found here: The Sartorialist and The Dust Jacket Attic Photos by: Scott Schuman, Serge Guerand, Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott