My New Blog Design

This is the last time, I promise!  I will not change my blog's look ever again! { A lie?  I think maybe.} I have been experimenting with a lot of different looks the past few days {You noticed?} but all of those I was never completely satisfied with.  But now, oh oh oh!  I love it!  I found the picture of the birds on http://www.backgroundfairy.com, as well as the background.  I think they blend nicely and they have a nice, sophisticated {yet playful} look.  Does it suit me?  Yes.  Does it match my personality?  Sometimes.  Is it me?  Yes!  {er... maybe?}  

Getting My Artist On

     I am a right-brained person.  I am artistic, I am wild, I am free.  I love dancing, singing, acting, all that jazz.  When I was younger, I was an artist.  When I say artist, I mean drew all of the time, I was the art teacher's "pet," I got into a middle school of the arts {not an easy thing to do!}.  But once I was about halfway through sixth grade, I decided that I did NOT like drawing or art anymore.  I had no interest whatsoever.  I didn't want a thing to do with it.  I know it sounds ridiculous, but I hated it.  Mostly because there were some people in my art class that were... {gasp!} better than me.  I hated that.

     I remained this way for several years.  The only time I would touch a pencil was to write something down, you could forget about me trying to draw something.  If you would have asked me to draw you a picture, I would say, "That ain't happenin'."  While my disinterest in visual arts grew, so did my love of dance, music, and drama.  I found a home school drama class that I went to every week {still doing a drama class, but now a high school one}, I sang all of the time, and if you come over to my house odds are I'll be dancing.  I love the arts to death.  I am an artsy person {though I've never had lessons... :[[ }.

     So I still hadn't started drawing again until December of 2010.  I have a "Bird Identification" project for Biology lab that I have to do. I don't have to draw pictures of the birds, but I am making it kind of like a Lewis and Clark expedition journal.  Do you get what I mean by that?  I want it to look sort of scrapbook-y.  Anyhow, so in December I decided to draw my first drawing in years... a Canada Goose.   

Do you like it?  It took me probably three hours to do this, but it seemed only like 30 minutes.  I enjoyed myself so much, I didn't know why I hadn't started drawing again!

     So then a few days ago I decided to start drawing birds for the project again.  I drew a Yellow-Rumped Warbler, and this is how it turned out:

 

I think they turned out rather nicely, do you agree?  I am also currently working on a Great Egret and Mourning Dove.  They are looking great so far!

     Drawing and taking pictures of all these birds have really given me a new love for our feathery friends.  I think they're pretty, gorgeous, adorable, really cool!  As you can see my my {new} header and signature, I love them now!  I think they have a very classic look as well as being cute and humorous.  You'll probably be seeing a lot more birds on my blog, so be prepared.  I've warned you!  They are my new favorite animal... :]]

I've {Sorta} Been Tagged!

I haven't really been tagged, but I decided to do this anyways.  :]] 

The favourites...
Book?  Umm... My favorite is probably "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd. 
TV show? Either Bones or Psych... I love both for different reasons, I can't choose!
Animal?  Peacocks... Definitely.  I think they're absolutely gorgeous!

Bug? Butterfly, but I hate HATE most bugs.

Colour? Turquoise

Type of clothing?  I guess timeless looks are my favorite!

Least favourite...
Bug?  Cockroach... they're disgusting!!!
Color?  Army green

Book?  I have no clue!  If I thought long enough, then maybe...
Animal?   Tasmanian Devil?  I don't know... just 'cause they're ugly?
Type of clothing?  The "I just got out of bed" look.
TV show?  I hate watching any sports, but I hate the show "Barefoot Contessa."  {cooking}

The idea is to share your 7 likes, 8 hates and 1 love.
Likes:
1.  Musicals

2.  Late night reading

3.  Pearls, pearls, pearls!

4.  Baby-talking pets :]]

5.  Camellia flowers

6.  Disco music... "You make me feel like dancin', wanna dance the night away..."
7.  Meltaway Mints

Hates:
1.  Abortion

2.  When people lie to your face
3.  When people hide their feelings

4.  Waking up with greasy hair

5.  Bugs... ugh...
6.  When I'm super busy and can't get anything done

7.  When people don't laugh at my jokes :[[

8.  Skinny jeans

Love:
I love {taking long walks on the beach...} snuggling up on the couch in my pajamas with a cup of tea and watching my favorite TV series {Christy or Bones!}.  Don't forget three blankets and cookies! 

If you had a horse what would you name it?
Lightfoot... from an old, childhood favorite book.  :]]  "The Unicorn Chronicles" If you had the power to change just one thing in the world what would it be?
I'd want to erase hate.  All hate in the world, gone.  Then there would be no more bad.
If you could have one wish what would it be?
I would wish that I was less vain... that I felt "Free to Be Me"

If you were a super hero which one would you be? 

I'd want to be Superman.  I think he's awesome.  Best. Hero. Ever. {'nuff said}

If you could make up a super hero what would he/she be like?
She'd be awesome!!! haha.. need I say more? I think NOT! :D
 

If I were a...
If I were a gemstone, I'd be an amethyst.

If I were a scent, I’d be cinnamon-raisin bread.

If I were a pair of shoes, I'd be flip flops.
If I were the weather, I would be 75 degrees and partly cloudy.

If I were a facial expression, I'd be laughter.
If I were a car, I'd be Mini Cooper.
If I were a time of day, I'd be 9 o'clock {p.m.}
If were a month, I’d be September.
If I were a place, I'd be Mount Pleasant, SC.
If I were a liquid, I'd be egg nog.

If I were a taste, I'd be sugar.

If I were a sea animal, I'd be a blue whale.
If I were a food, I’d be homemade lasagna.
If I were a colour, I'd be yellow or violet.
If I were a musical instrument, I'd be an accordion.
If I were a flower, I'd be a white camellia.
If I were a song, Baby Girl by Sugarland.
If I were a planet, I'd be Pluto.  :P
If I were an object, I'd be a pillow.
If I were a fruit, I'd be a raspberry.
If I were a sound, I’d be your favorite song.
If I were a day of the week, I’d be Sunday.

I'd tag someone, but I don't really have many people that read my blog.  :[  If you want to do it though, make sure you let me know!

Bones, Aladdin, and Some Hats

Good morning, afternoon, or evening.  I have a new obsession... the song "One Jump Ahead" from Disney's Aladdin.  It is absolutely wonderful, and I have nothing more to say about it!  Aladdin has such a great voice and the tune is just so catchy.  :]]  {I can't believe I'm raving on and on about this.}  Here's the video, you must watch it.  I command you.

January 1st, {New Year's} was my birthday and my dad gave me two things that I asked for, The Christy TV series from the 90's and my *favorite* TV show ever, Bones.  Yes, it may not be the best TV show in the world for younger viewers as it's kind of gross and inappropriate at times, but it is wonderful.  Really, that makes it OK, right?  No, not really.  But I still love it.  I just received the second part today, which is the first three seasons on Bones.  I have seen almost all of them, I imagine... but I still want to be able to watch them whenever I want.  It's wonderful!  I love my Bones!  

Hats.  Hats?  Hats.  I'm not a hat-person.  I'm told they look nice on me, but I don't know.  Anyways, I have two hats that I own.  They're pretty much exactly the same except for different colors.  Since I practiced rolling my own hair last night, I have curly hair again {yay!}.  I thought that with the curly hair the hats would look nice, so here are some pictures of me in my {cute} hats.

 This hat I received as a gift a few years ago... it was handmade!

  I got this hat at JC Penney last January.  It didn't have a tag and it was the last one, 

so I got it for only .99!  Woohoo!

Do you like my look?  I think it's very cute.  I'm still wearing the pink one.  We took Fritzy to the vet today to... well... get him snipped.  Poor guy.  I'm tagging along, and I figured this cute hat would be appropriate for the cold weather.  Also, how do you like my new header?  I made it last night/this morning.  I think it's pretty, though Elle would tell you otherwise.  We don't exactly have the same taste.   {At all.}  Well, as Tigger would say, "Ta-ta for now!"

 

New Signature

Yes, I have created myself a new signature.  It isn't really grand as I don't have the professional "tools" to do a fabulous job, but I like it.  I think it's pretty.  I think it's me!  I might get a new one later on, but until then I'll be using this beauty.  

FFW- Day 7

The last day of Feminine Fashion Week!  I can't believe it's already here... actually, that's a lie.  I know it's here, so of course I can believe it.  But anyways, today I decided to wear one of my really comfy outfits.  My favorite pair of jeans (which I never wear because they're two years old and crazy-faded)!  You get to see them though, isn't it exciting? 

 Once again... dirty mirror. 

 My legs always look really short in these pictures... they really aren't that short.  They're over three feet long!

 Sweater- Old Navy, $15

Camisole- Old Navy, $8

Jeans- Walmart, l.e.i. Sophia Hiphugger Flare $12 Yes, I got these before the Walmart jeans went up to $20!

My bracelet!  No idea how much it cost, it was a gift.

See that nasty bruise on my foot?  Ever since Friday (December 31st) it's been hurting and I hadn't known why.  Yesterday at SHEEP (my classes) my friend Brittany said, "What happened to your foot?"  I was really confused until I saw this huge bruise.  No clue how I got it... Jenna and Emily probably did it while I was sleeping.

~Alyssa

O, Woe is Me

     I am one unfortunate chick.  Yes, I just called myself a chick.  Never done that before.  (Or have I?)  Read an email my mom received about my drama class... apparently I have to write a character analysis and a character diary by Friday.  I had no clue.  She probably told us the day of our auditions, but I forgot.  But that's not all, no siree.  While researching my character (I had only 5 lines and no clue what my character was like) I found out that I also play a different part (I'm playing a character who is in a play).  
     I'm in Shakespeare's, A Midsummer Night's Dream.  My character is Robin Starveling and I found out that Robin Starveling's character is the Moonlight.  So now I have three more lines to memorize, two days before the first drama class.  How did you not know that you were another character, you might ask.  Well, I guess that's what happens when you don't read the script.  But really, I couldn't understand half of the play.  I figured there was no point in reading through it.  I was obviously wrong.  Please, pity me.  No, don't.  I don't need your pity!  *Stomps out and slams the door*
     Sorry, I did overreact a little bit, didn't I?  But really, it is my fault.  No matter how much I try to blame someone else for not telling me I was playing Moonshine, I have to remember that it was all my fault.  I'm a slacker, and now I have to pay for it.  I will say it again, "I AM A SLACKER!"  I'm told that the first step to fixing the problem is to acknowledge the fact that you have a problem.  As hard as it may be.  *sigh*
     But as I was reading about my character, I realized something that made me feel a little better.  My character "...is often considered one of the more humorous in the play, as he uses a lantern in a failed attempt to portray Moonshine and is wittily derided by his audience."*  I told my mom and she told me that now I have a lot to live up to.  More stress, great.  
     I know, I know.  Usually I'm really optimistic.  Right now I am not being that person.  But it's not my fault!  It's... erm... some one else's?

~Alyssa
 
*Thank you, Wikipedia.

FFW- Day 5

Only two more days!  ...What should I wear tomorrow? 

Today I decided to go for a more sophisticated, businessy (yes, I just used that word) look.  I wore a blazer and heels!  Believe me, it's hard to get me into a pair of heels!  Oh, and yes... I wore my hair up again.  But this time it was wet!  I have reason.  :]

 Me, attempting to look cute.  *sigh*

 Just my outfit... yes, that is a lion in the background.

 The necklace I'm wearing.  Isn't it pretty?  It's not mine though, it's my mom's.

 My little kitten heels.  

My blazer and top.

Blazer- Goodwill, $4

White top- Goodwill, $3.79

Pumps- Target, $18

Necklace- Mom's, $?

Oh, and Melanie over at Forever His Servant is having a Winter Giveaway right now.  She's giving away two really cute hats that she made herself, for those of you interested.

How do you like my outfit?

~Alyssa

Fritzy and Barnie

Fritzy has been much more adventurous and trusting the past two days-- yay!  He's actually coming out from under the bed by himself!  I know, it's sad that I'm getting really excited over that.  But anyways, he's also coming out to let us pet him and he's exploring upstairs.  Barnie is actually getting along with Fritzy, too.  Our last cat, Gisele, would hiss and growl like a mountain lion every time Barnie got near.  The only problem is, Fritzy likes to rub himself over Barnie and Barnie doesn't like that.  It's pretty funny, but also sad because Barnie is always rejecting him.  They are playing with each other and pouncing on each other without fights, so praise God!  They like each other!  :]]  Victory!

 Fritz is the small one staring at the camera... he was still scared of me when I took this picture.  He only weighs 7 pounds!  Barnie weighs 13.

 He is really, really playful.  I love watching him play, he's adorable.

 This was when he was pouncing on the hanger.

Whenever Barnie starts batting at Fritzy or something, Fritz always lays down really quick and rolls over on his belly.  He's saying, "Chill out!  You're the dominate one!"  It's really funny.

Everything is going to be starting up again this week.  Winter break was no fun because I was just sitting around the house all day.  Now this week my SHEEP classes and drama class start up again.  Then next week I have my public speaking class (yippee) is starting up.  I love being busy!  

~Alyssa

FFW- Day 4

I told you I would wear a skirt!  Here's an outfit that I found one day at Goodwill.  I pieced it all together by myself, aren't you proud of me?  :]]  I was really drawn to the skirt and decided that if I didn't find I shirt that I love then, I never would find one that went with it perfectly.  Here's a hint for you girls who love pattern-- Choose your patterns based on your size.  I'm 6'1" so I can wear some pretty big patterns (in moderation).  But if you're really short, then make sure you wear really small patterns.

Now onto the outfit... :]

 Blouse- Goodwill, $3.79

Skirt- Goodwill, $4.00

 I wore my hair down today!  Woohoo!

 

 This is the pattern on my skirt, I think it's really pretty.

This is my necklace.  My daddy got it for me when he went to China on business.  Apparently you can get things like pearls for a really good price over there.

~Alyssa

FFW- Day 3

Today is Day 3 of Feminine Fashion Week and so here's my outfit!  It's not much, just a sweater and jeans, but I like it!  :]]  I think I need to get a new photographer.  :P

 Yes, I know.  I'm wearing a ponytail-- again.  But it's what I like... it's comfortable!

 A picture of just the outfit.  :]]

Sweater- Walmart, $10  The sign said it was $12, but only payed $10!

Jeans- Once again, Levi's Signature jeans $20

 Bracelet- Burlington Coat Factory, $5 I love it!

Shoes- Cato flats, $15  I absolutely love these shoes!  I think they're perfect for a casual look as well as a more dressy shoe.

Come back tomorrow... I'll be wearing a skirt!  Hehe, I just have to shave my legs first!  :]

~Alyssa

Delicious Recipe- Pomegranate Brussels Sprouts

Yesterday evening Grandma Barb and I tried this new recipe that Grandma saw on Food Network (from Bobby Flay!) a few weeks ago.  Now I love vegetables and all things healthy (well... most things) so I thought the brussels sprouts were pretty amazing.  You may think miniature cabbages are disgusting, but you still have to try this!  

What we did was buy a package of brussels sprouts from the grocery store, coated them with olive oil, salt and pepper (to taste) and roasted them in the oven at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.  During that 20 minutes, we cut open the pomegranate and took all of the seeds out.  **With a pomegranate, the only part you eat are the seeds!**   Caution- The pomegranate is going to make a big, juicy mess.  Where short sleeves and an apron to make sure you don't stain your clothes!

After you take the brussels sprouts out, put them in a skillet with the pomegranate seeds and about a tablespoon of honey (or more, pomegranate is very tart).  Stir on the flame for 5-10 minutes and then eat up!

We left out the vanilla beans, pomegranate molasses, and pecans just because we didn't have the recipe on-hand and we were too lazy to make the molasses.  :]]  If you have some extra time then I think it would be a good idea to have these things.  It was a delicious recipe, and I would recommend it for if you are having people over for dinner.

~Alyssa

A Simple Farmgirl: Photo Contest Entry

Here is my entry for "A Simple Farmgirl" 2011 photo contest.  I took this picture of my curl after taking rollers out of my hair one day.  :]]  I really like the picture, I think it turned out really nice.

Here's the button for her site.  :]]

How do you like the picture?

~Alyssa

FFW- Day 2

Here's the second entry for the Feminine Fashion Week fashion show.  This is one of my outfits that I'd wear out shopping or out to dinner.  Just a nice, casual outfit.  The details at the top of the tank add a feminine touch and the sweater gives it a more casual look.

 Jeans- Old Navy "The Flirt" $15.00 (on sale!)

I'm also wearing white flip flops- Old Navy, 2 pairs for $5.00!  They're just plastic/rubbery and very durable for those of you wanting some nice flip flops!

 Tank Top- Old Navy, $8.00

Sweater- American Eagle, $40.00 Yes, I know!  Expensive!  But it was a gift!

Bracelet- My other American Eagle bogo bracelet!  $6.25 :]]

Thank you for all of your comments!  

~Alyssa

Feminine Fashion Week- Day 1

Here's my first entry for the Feminine Fashion Week fashion show.  Sorry the pictures aren't great!  I had to take them myself because my sister was too busy.  :]]  It doesn't help that I'm also exhausted... stayed up past midnight last night.  Got only 5 1/2 hours of sleep last night.  But I'm not complaining.  Well, yes.  I am.

Blue v-neck t-shirt- Old Navy, no clue how much it was.  It's probably 3 years old.

Navy blue sweater- Derek Heart from Hamrick's.  $15.00 Black Friday bargain!

Jeans- Levi's from Walmart.  $20.00  I love them!  Signature At-Waist Bootcut.

My bracelets...

 Brand new buy from American Eagle.  They were having a bogo sale.  Got it for $6.25.

This bracelet I won in a blog contest.  Here's the link to where she got it from, though:  http://www.etsy.com/listing/63974750/twisted-natural-rope-bracelet-with

Sorry this wasn't the greatest outfit post!  Like I said, I'm only partially awake.

~Alyssa

Goodbye 2010, Hello New Diets!

2010, to sum it up was a year full of events.  The giant earthquake in Haiti, the BP oil spill, Chilean mine rescue, the year pie reigned supreme over cupcakes, just to name a few.  It wasn't a great year for everyone, but we fought through it like us, as Americans, should.  But this isn't a blog post saying "so long" to 2010.  It's about saying "hello" the new year!  A year of new beginnings, new advances, and our new diets!  But before I go on, I'd like to bid adieu to 2010.  It was great living through you!

2011, 2011... 2011!  Color of the year?  Honeysuckle.  The Chinese Year of the Rabbit.  The year before "the end of the world."  Isn't it all exciting?  Today is January 1st, the start of 2o11 and my birthday.  Yes, I am now officially old.  But we're not talking about how old I am.  We're going to be talking about last night:  my sleepover with my dear friends, Emily and Jenna.  :]

It was a whole lot of fun!  For dinner we had chicken fried rice and veggie sushi and we had a chocolate fountain going with pound cake, strawberries, pretzels, and apples.  It was delish!  Jenna got me some mini Ritz crackers with peanut butter in them dipped in white chocolate, which was delicious.  We played Clue, Spoons, and watched the ball drop.  We were very surprised to hear that the ball is only 12' in diameter.   We always thought it was bigger.  So anyways, we had sparkling grape juice and we decided that while counting down the new year (5... 4... 3... 2... 1.... Happy New Year!) we would toast.  So we did, and then the first thing that I did was spill grape juice all over myself and the carpet.  Jenna's comment?  "Well this is going to be a great year!"  Yes, I had to take a shower at midnight.  But it was really short, so it's all good.  :]]

 There were only two headbands... all of us girls!  Jenna, me, Emily

 Jenna and Emily (can you see me in the mirror?)

 A picture of Jenna in my mirror looking awesome!  This photo is unedited.  Comment if you agree with me!

 Jenna and Emily again.  :]]

 Me... well, being me.

Around 10:30, 11 o'clock-ish we decided to give each other makeovers.  We dragged out my mom's makeup bag and Jenna got her straightener out.  Now this was weird for me, as I have never ever straightened my hair before.  It seemed so fine and soft!  Hahaha!

 No, Jenna is not yanking Emily's hair out.  She is just straightening it.  But that face that Jenna's making in the corner?  I have not a clue.

 Jenna with her hair straight and after having her makeup done (by moi).  She's so pretty (even without the makeup)!  :]

Emily did her own makeup.  There were a lot of "oops" and "I can fix that"s from all of us, but especially her.  She looks so gorgeous... kind of smoky?  Hehe!  :]

 My makeup.  Yes, I did it myself.  Everyone was so happy with the outcome, but it's definitely not something that we'll be doing on a daily basis.

 Here is one of all of us.  Everyone agrees that in this picture Jenna and my eyes look almost exactly the same.  Everyone always thinks we're cousins or something.  No relation!

Here's my favorite.  We all look so old!  Ahh!  But I guess we all are... ugh.  What ever happened to being careless and 9? 

Happy New Year, everyone!  I hope it's a good one!

~Alyssa