birthday wishlist

{from top left to bottom right}

Polaroid Camera / Pittsburgh Skyline / Pennsylvania Pillow / Necklace / The British version of the Harry Potter series / Hogwarts TOMs / Gold Foil Sunset Print

-I have been wanting a polaroid camera for a while now but have yet to bite the bullet.  With film so expensive these days, instant photography could potentially become a very expensive hobby for me.  

-I immediately fell in love with the brilliant colors in this Pittsburgh skyline print.  I am thinking of making a collage of Pittsburgh photos in our guest room and this would be perfect. 

-That pillow would be perfect for our couch.  But in burgundy, please:)

-How adorable is that initial necklace?  I just don't know if I would want it in silver or gold. 

-As you may know by now, I am kinda obsessed with Harry Potter.  I feel like the only real HP fans own the British series.    

-And those Hogwarts TOMs?  L-O-V-E.  I am not sure I would ever wear them outside of the house though. 

-That gorgeous sunset gold foil print from one of my favorite Etsy shops, RowHouse14, is a must have.  

What is your favorite item from my wishlist?

What would you add to your own?

what harry potter has taught us about fears

{this post was written back in February}

Just in case you are new around these parts, I am a huge Harry Potter fan.  I have the read the series a few times and tend to watch the movies over and over again when I need a quick fix.  Saturday was no different.  To motivate me to start (and re-start a few times in this case my scarf) I popped in The Prisoner of Azkaban (the 3rd book movie/book for you non-HP fans.  I promise I won't judge you though.).  I like background noise and since I know the movies like the back of my hand, I only need to focus on what I am doing, in this case, crocheting.  While I do enjoy the movie, I don't like it has much as the book, which is my favorite of the series.  However, there are few scenes that are important and to which I think we can all relate to in real life. 

In my old job where I lead group discussions on topics such as Anxiety and Depression I would often to turn to Prisoner of Azkaban to help with the discussion.  (I take any excuse I can to talk HP and can for hours if allowed.)  Anyway, one of the biggest culprits of Anxiety and Depression is fear.  Fear of the unknown, fear of dying, fear of not being enough, fear of people, fear of [enter yours here].  We all have fears whether or not we are diagnosed with Depression or Anxiety.  And some are harder than others to overcome.  

In the wizarding world, Riddikulus is a charm used to get rid of a Boggart, which is an object that shifts itself into what the wizard facing it fears most.  There is a scene where Professor Lupin,  Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, teaches this charm to the students.  The Boggart is housed in an armoire of sorts and the only way for the Boggart to change is for the student to point their wand and say "Riddikulus" while thinking of a humorous way to look at what the Boggart transforms into.  For example, Ron's, HP's good friend (again, for you non-harry potter fans), fear is spiders so naturally the Boggart turns into a giant spider but when he points his wand and casts the spell, the giant spider is on roller skates and is slipping all over the place.  Resulting in making the giant spider look riddikulus ridiculous.  

yuck!

If we chose to look at our fears differently, perhaps they wouldn't be so scary or as overwhelming, no?  If we focus on what we can control, how we perceive said fear, the better chance of overcoming that fear will be.  We have much more control over our emotions than we give ourselves credit for.  But once you realize this, it is amazing what you will be able to overcome.  

Are you a Harry Potter fan?

What would the Boggart turn into if you were standing in front of it?

Linking up with Shanna and Julie today!

until next time

the one where I talk about my weight {+ 365 upload}

Why oh why do I feel so moody towards this here blog?  Am I alone?  I get so overwhelmed by the idea of having to sit down and write that I don't even do anything.  I just sit down and watch Alias (which is my 3rd time seeing it by the way), eat, and get mad at myself for not crossing off that blog to-do for the day.  Please tell me I am not alone.  And what helps?  Should I just start writings posts on weekends?  Any and all advice is welcome!

Anyway, as I mentioned in a recent post, I have some goals I would like to accomplish in November and hope to share my progress (or lack of progress - I need to be honest) with you on a weekly basis.  And since I have been wanting to participate in Weigh-in Wednesdays since I really got into blogging in January I figured today would be a perfect time start.  

And since I want to be as honest on this thing as possible, I was pretty nervous about sharing my weight and putting it out there.  And not because it is big number.  When I weighed myself this morning I was 121.6 (gained .2 from 2 weeks ago).  I am nervous to share because I don't want anyone to judge me for it.  I am 5'3" (5'3" and 3/4ths on a good day) and 121.6 on me is soft.  I take after my dad so I carry it all over.  In my legs, my face is round, my arms are flabby, and it looks like I am carrying a small child in my belly when I look at my stomach from the side.  

Ever since graduating college I have had a hard time keeping my weight down.  And not because I was overly active in college but because I took Concerta (a medication for ADD) throughout college to help keep me focused during lectures and get my assignments done.  And much like Aderall and Ritalin, it suppressed my appetite (but without the nasty emotional side effects).  I maybe ate once a day because while the meds were in my blood stream any food I loved just repulsed me at the time.  Once I got on my own insurance through my job, it became to costly to continue to take it.  So there in lies the extra weight gained.  In 2006 I ballooned all the way up to 127 (which for me and my body type is a lot).  

However, it was then that I started dating now husband and he was into health and fitness and helped me start to get back on track.  I mean, I was eating lima beans and Mrs. T's peroggi's for dinner every night because I do not cook (and still don't.  Trust me I have tried to like it.).  He taught me how to eat properly, how carbs and sugars effect me, and even got me into running.  I am the one who wasn't comfortable in my body so I asked for the help.  Husband finds my curves sexy and loves to look at me naked (even when I don't).  

So today starts a new day/week/lifestyle yet again.  But I feel confident that sharing my goals and progress with the blogosphere will help me hold myself accountable for what I hope to accomplish.  My current goals are to: 

 get down to 118 (but to get to 115 and maintain that is ideal).  

Get out and move at least 3x a week

Limit myself to only 60g carbs and 15-20g of a sugar a day

Keep track on MyFitnessPal at least 5 times a week. 

It really feels good to get all of that out there.  I don't want to offend anyone.  I do hope to inspire though.  

If you are need of some good motivation, check out Samantha and Marcy.  They are some of my daily must reads.  These two women are such an inspiration to me!

What are your goals?

Do you struggle with your weight?

Do you have MyFitnessPal?

I am alysoncornman, so be sure to add me!

Linking up with Heather and Shanna today!

----

Oct 23, 2013.  Day 307 of 365. 

"Crochet"

Oct 24, 2013.  Day 308 of 365. 

"Fall Trees"

 Oct 25, 2013.  Day 309 of 365. 

"Fall Scents"

 Oct 26, 2013.  Day 310 of 365. 

"Lit"

 Oct 27, 2013.  Day 311 of 365. 

"Good Morning"

 Oct 28, 2013.  Day 312 of 365. 

"Fall"

 Oct 29, 2013.  Day 313 of 365. 

"Woodland in the Fall"

 Oct 30, 2013.  Day 314 of 365. 

"Harry Potter reflected" 

 Oct 31, 2013.  Day 315 of 365. 

"Crashed Supergirl"

Nov 1, 2013.  Day 316 of 365. 

"Speaking"

Nov 2, 2013.  Day 317 of 365. 

"Cards Against Humanity"

Nov 3, 2013.  Day 318 of 365.

"Hot Apple Cider"

Nov 4, 2013.  Day 319 of 365.

"Backbone"

Nov 5, 2013.  Day 320 of 365.

"Tuesday"

Nov 6, 2013.  Day 321 of 365.    

"Fall Contrast"

until next time

an open love letter

Today's Blogtember prompt: Write a public love letter to someone in your life. (It doesn't necessarily need to be romantic.)

(Source via Etsy)

Dearest Professor Snape,

I do realize that according to many Muggles, you do not really exist.  However, I feel like I have gotten to know you pretty well over the past 10 years.  But when I met you for that first time, I am not gonna lie, I wasn't your biggest fan, and was not so sure how well we would get along.  You were one of the harshest and most hostile teachers I have ever seen teach.  Didn't anyone ever tell you that children don't respond well to being bullied?  Apparently not. But I know you're pretty smart and know your stuff and all, so I never really argued with you.  For a while there I wasn't really sure what team you were even on.  It was pretty damn obvious that Dumbledore trusted you, but so did "He Who Must Not Be Named".  Boy you had me confused for a while there.

Even though you were pretty rough, I started to understand a little bit why it back-fired that time when you were trying to teach Harry how to keep "He Who Must Not Be Named" out of his mind.  Remember?  I'm sure you do.  I don't think anyone ever suspected you were bullied as a kid. Even though I realize it may have been hard for you to let others see what you went through, I am glad you did.  That was the moment my heart started to warm to you. You see, I am a rather empathetic person. When others hurt, I hurt.  It's a bit of a curse and a gift really.  No one deserves to be treated with such little respect.  But that wasn't Harry's fault nor any of the other students, and they did not deserve to be treated so harshly.  Two wrongs do not make a right, Professor.  They only wanted to learn from the best. 

 It wasn't, however, until I learned of your love for Lily that I, in turn, fell in love with you.  It breaks my heart that Lily chose your tormentor, James, over you.  After all, you had always been there for her.  While I know it wasn't Lily's fault who she fell in love with, I have a feeling there wasn't a day that went by that you didn't wonder to yourself if maybe she had chosen you, she would have survived.  I know what it's like to have loved and lost.  It sucks.

I know you dabbled in some pretty dodgy magic back in your day. But hey, haven't we all been there?  Done things we regret?  I know I have.  What matters is that you did the noblest thing any man could do; protect the son of the woman you loved so much, even though he was not your own.  That Professor, takes some pretty big balls, and for that, you will have my love and respect.  Always.

With love,
Alyson

Linking up with Bre and Jenni today!

until next time

current obsessions

Today's blogtember prompt is to share links to your favorite shops

Bloom Theory // Stole this from Jenni. I love the idea of cute camera straps rather than the boring plain black ones.  Are these not to die for?

Shutter Bags // I have been carrying around my camera and additional lenses in the bag my first "big camera" came in. While it has served it's purpose, I'd love one of these bigger ones. More space for a new lens, perhaps;)?

Laine Design // With Fall nearing I am in the crocheting mode. I love Keysha's patterns and I think they are reasonably priced.  My favorite pattern is a beginner skill level! I am thinking possible Christmas gifts?!

CAPow // Pinterest is responsible for my new obsession with all thing maps and typography.  I love the b&w PA typography map but the the colorful ones are great as well.

 or

Amy Waltz Designs // Although I am not much of a jewelry person I pretty much want every single piece in her line. Reminds me a lot of Sundance so how could I not be in love?

Yoni Alter // I live in a suburb of Pittsburgh.  And with most "yinzers" I love our city and I love to find unique prints of my city. I think all of the different prints are amazing.  I think I am going to have buy the Pittsburgh one!

 

Mike Boon // Also with Fall coming, my obsession with Harry Potter related anything is in full swing.  I love the Harry Potter alphabet!  If we have a boy this will be for sure hanging in his room. 

What are your favorite shops?

Linking up with Shanna, Jenni, and Melissa today!  

I'd also like to take the time to thank an in real life (IRL) friend for nominating me for the Liebster Award!  Thank you so much Lauren:)  I am flattered that you enjoy reading.  

Go check out her blog, NOW!  She blogs about her awesome finds for super deals and DIY.  I promise, she won't disappoint.  Thanks again, Lauren!  

happies

I know I wrote a post on this recently, but who doesn't
love to share what makes them happy as often as possible?

*husband
*my family and the in-laws
*anything Harry Potter related.
*long walks with husband.
*our home.
*planning trips.
*my little girlfriends.

*taking photos.

*a good book.
*coffee.
*warm weather and sunshine.
*laughter, especially kids.
*the smell of summer rain and thunderstorms.
*the color pink, the hotter the pink the happier i am.
*sunflowers, tuplips, and gerber daisies.
*finding new music.

And yes, I realize that is more than 10 but I can't help it.
A lot is making me happy these days:)

linking up with:

        

 

Scotland Day 6: Edinburgh

Soooo I was really excited for our day trip around Edinburgh.  And not because of how nice I heard the city was.  But because it is where JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter and based her vision of Hogwarts from Edinburgh Castle. Go ahead and judge, I don't care:)

And of course it rained the entire day.

We headed up the Royal Mile to tour Edinburgh Castle.  Beautiful cobble streets lined with beautiful buildings. 

I was slightly disappointed in our tour of the castle as it was more of a museum and I'm not a really a museum-y type gal.  You know, Ive got the ADD.  Being that it rained and was very chilly didn't help. 

We were also very hungry (which of course definitely did not help) so we headed into a pub to dry off and grab lunch before we did a little more walking around.  

St. Giles Church

And then FINALLY! My Graceland...

We went in to get some Elephant cookies but the line was too long so we decided to come back later.  Unfortunately, they were already closing up shop even though the sign outside the shop said they were open for another 20 minutes and people were still in the shop enjoying their tea.  BOO!

Apparently it is good luck if you spit on the Heart of Scotland.  So Melissa did.  

Sorry for the short and not so great descriptions in this post.  Since it rained our entire day there I was only able to use my iPhone (which was quickly running out of storage space).

Even though it did rain, I still really enjoyed the city and feel I was able to appreciate it's beauty.  From what I hear from talking with friends later over drinks there are actually more Harry Potter-ish touristy things to do there so here's to hoping for a next time...