it's "get comfy and drink wine" time

Happy Friday my lovelies.  I am going on week number 2 of working 5 days a week and so far I don't hate it.  I just keep thinking of the extra cash we will have for the holidays.  That helps.  Ask me how I feel after the holidays though.  

And since I really had nothing else to write about today, I thought I would just share with you 5 things that are making me pretty happy right now.

{one} It's "get comfy and drink wine" time in this household.  Found my robe and poured myself 4oz of Pinot Noir (since I am counting and all) while the husband is downstairs trying to figure out if we need a new water heater or not.  #homeownerproblems

{two} It's Friday.  And we all know how Fridays make pretty much everyone (who doesn't work on the weekends) feel.

{three} Plans to meet up with a dear friend who got married over the weekend to hear all about the deets details.  Unfortunately husband and I couldn't afford the trip down to St. Croix to celebrate them in person.  But hey, belated celebrations are just as fun, in my most humble opinion.

{four} Thor 2 came out today.  And who doesn't need more Chris Hemsworth in their life?  'Cause I needed more like yesterday...

{five} I have discovered two new link-ups photography related that I am uber excited to participate in on Fridays now.

And speaking of said link-ups;
Dear Harper for #findbeautyfriday.  Check it out, I made the cut for the week with this picture I got while driving to take my sweet little girlfriend to school.  Couldn't resist the beautiful Fall foliage.  And Aimee asked me to co-host one of these Fridays in Nov so keep a look out and be sure link-up.

And The Bradley's for Photography Friday.  This one was taken on a different drive on a different morning to take sweet little girlfriend to school.  The rain made the leaves seem so much more brilliant.

How was your week?

Any plans for the weekend?

What are your favorite snapshots you have captured?

 

Linking up with Aimee, Darci, and Elizabeth today! 

#capturingmymoments + Nov wishes

Happy November!  November 1 starts the beginning of one of my favorite times of the year.  I am a Thanksgiving and Christmas kinda gal.  I just love the anticipation of it all.  

Guess what today also is.  The last day the husband is in his 20s.  We are just an old couple in their 30s over here.  We are having a party at our house tomorrow.  It's not a birthday party because husband doesn't want to make a big deal out of his 30th but I do, so this is how we compromised.  I love entertaining friends. 

And since it is a new month, I need to make some new goals for myself.  I have been slacking a lot recently.  I haven't been eating well and feeling really scatter brained lately.  I am hoping that if I put them out to the blog universe I will be better about holding myself accountable. 

1) eat better (isn't that always the case?) - limit sugar and carbs, no gluten. 

2) workout - get moving at least 3x a week.

3) blog more - schedule my posts in advance, look into sponsoring other blogs 

4) be more productive - complete projects, finish decorating the dining room, hang up photos

5) lose weight - keep track of what I eat in MFP

It is also the first day of the month, so if you are new around here, today is when I share my favorites from my #capturingmymoments hashtag project I have on Instagram.  

1 // @tariq105 2 // @bzlaforte 3 // @bustinjustin1986 4 // @mrsfence 5 // @mskoka_nofear 6 // @_kellyscott 7 // @mbbrantley  8 // @diesel_girl_18 9 // @kateholquist

I love checking #capturingmymoments out on Instagram and look forward to seeing what everyone captures.  So if you are on instagram, I hope to see your photos (just make sure if you are set to private make sure you follow me.  I won't be able to see your photos if you are set to private and we don't follow each other.).  Thanks again to everyone who participated!  I appreciate it:)

What are you up to this weekend?

Will I be seeing your moments on Instagram?

Linking up with Whitney today!  

until next time

it's been 21 years...

I am not going to start off by apologizing for not blogging in over a week because I am not sorry.  I just haven't been feeling it lately.  Heck, I have hardly been reading my favorites.  I have just been a little preoccupied with more important things like friends getting married, an upcoming weekend wine tasting in Erie, learning German, cleaning, and THE PIRATES BEING IN THE PLAYOFFS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 21 YEARS.  Yes, you read that right, 21 years.  Unlike the husband, who has been saying every year since I have known him that the Pirates are winning the world series this year, I was a bit of a skeptic.  Even though I haven't lived in Pitt my whole life, I just got used to the idea that while going to games are fun and all, the Pirates were just going to disappoint every year so I just wouldn't allow myself to get too attached.  KnowWhatImSayin?  Now, I am that totally annoying "band wagon" girl who knows nothing about the players (unless they are cute of course) but is now shit talking like the opposite is true.  LETS GO BUCS! 

Now it's time to catch up on my favorite reads and enter to win some free stuff because who doesn't love free stuff, right?!

And because I have been obsessed with BSB's Pandora Station, here's some awesomeness for #backthatazzup

Linking up with Angie, Rachel, and Whitney today!

until next time
 

photos only {365}

Today's blogtember prompt: only photos

Since Wednesdays are already designated to share my 365 photos - and the fact I have two weeks worth to share - this prompt couldn't have been more perfect:)

Hope you enjoy.

Sept 5, 2013.  Day 259 of 365.

"Nanny life shadows"

Sept 6, 2013.  Day 260 of 365.

"Date Night Umbrellas"

Sept 7, 2013.  Day 261 of 365.

"August Flower"

Sept 8, 2013.  Day 262 of 365.

"Sunday Morning"

Sept 9, 2013.  Day 263 of 365.

"Dried Flowers"

Sept 10, 2013.  Day 264 of 365.

"Pgh"

Sept 11, 2013.  Day 265 of 365.

"Window"

Sept 12, 2013.  Day 266 of 365.

"Laundry"



Sept 13, 2013.  Day 267 of 365. 

"Self-Portrait"

Sept 14, 2013.  Day 268 of 365.  

"Early Fall Signs"

Sept 15, 2013.  Day 269 of 365. 

"#currently_reading"

Sept 16, 2013.  Day 270 of 365.

"#energy"

Sept 17 2013.  Day 271 of 365.

"#texture"

Sept 18, 2013.  Day 272 of 365.

"The Sweetest Thing"

Linking up with Jenni and Melissa today!

Until next time, 

Capturing My Moments {+ a huge favor}

Hope you enjoyed your last unofficial weekend of Summer (depressing, right?) and are having a lovely Labor Day!  I am gonna go ahead and be cliche and say, "wow, I can't believe it's September!  Where did the Summer go?"  

Our weekend was pretty crazy.  We left the house once to watch the Pirates play the Cards and have a few drinks.  We were home by 1.  Like I said, crazy.  

Anyway, around these parts, a new month brings a recap of my favorites from my #capturingmymoments hashtag project over on Instagram.  If you are new around here, here is the story behind it.  

@mrsfence*@_kellyscott*@andiepants15*@ctomana*@bzlaforte*@bustinjunstin1986*@jennycorn11*@diesel_girl_18*@jennymcelle*@jenminn

Again, I am blown away by everyone's perspective of their moments.  And like always, keep up the great work and do follow your fellow Instagrammers.  The more the merrier, right?

I do have one teeny tiny favor to ask of you though.  I would really really really like for #capturingmymoments to reach 1000 photos by 2014.  As of right now, we are at 615.  I think it is possible, I just need your help to spread the word and keep up the hashtagging.  Danke!

How did you spend your long weekend?

Are you as sad as I am that Summer is practically over?

And what are your favorite moments from the month of August?

Linking up with Molly, Bre, and Sami (a day late) today!

until next time

sign of the times

If you ever want to feel old, just head to an outdoor concert surrounded by young 20 somethings getting wasted and drunk dancing all while feeling nostalgic for the days when you were that wasted, drunk dancing 20 something.  Last night I got the chance to see Mumford & Sons live.  And as much as I enjoyed the show, I kept catching myself thinking "man I wish I could just sit down" or "this would be perfect in a cute little coffee shop or something."  When do such old person sounding thoughts happen?  

So today's post is brought to you by... Signs you are getting wiser older: 

*you ask for things you need rather than things you want for Christmas or your birthday.  Ex: vacuum

*you don't drink that 3rd glass because you know tomorrow will be hell if you keep going.

*hangovers last until Wednesday. at the earliest. 

*you get motion sickness. in the front seat.

*you are a morning person

*when you get up past 8 and feel as your whole day is shot because you slept in. 

*all of your friends are having babies on purpose. 

*you think those girls walking around in tank tops and heals in the middle of winter without a jacket just look plain ridiculous. 

*you dress weather appropriate

*you need at least 8 hours of sleep. 

*you look forward to nights in, on the couch with a good book or movie while sipping on some wine or tea (if you are really old). 

*standing room only means a next day of lower back pain 

*you "just don't get kids these days."

Have you seen Mumford & Sons in concert before?

Does going to a show make you feel old?
What are other signs that you are getting older?

Linking up with Whitney for #backthatazzup and Jelli today! 

Mumford & Sons - "Sigh No More"

[insert caption here]

Well, it's Friday and you know what that means?  Last day of holiday in Topsail, NC (pronounced Topsuhl around these parts).  Since I am not really sure what I wanted to write I thought it would appropriate for my second Happies & Crappies. 

Happies: 

I have been on vacation all week * I have woken up every morning to the sun shining through our sliding door and to the sounds of the waves crashing the shore * I finally have myself a tan * laughed ourselves silly last over a game of Cards Against Humanity * Our last day is sunny * I am getting tattoo number 2 tonight * While I am sad vacation is ending, I am looking forward to our bed. * We will be coming home to a clean house. WOOT. 

Crappies:

*Today is our last day.  You know how they say that if you lived by the beach you wouldn't probably wouldn't go to the beach.  I am pretty I am not that person. * It is a 10 hour drive home. 

While I was doing my usual Instragram browsing routine this morning I stumbled upon this quote from Invisible Children and felt it to be appropriate for how I felt seeing the moonlight glowing across the Atlantic the other night.

If you follow me on Instagram you will have already seen this photo.  This time I used my favorite Word Swag app for the quote and Rhonna Designs app for the cute little designs.  What do you think?  Pretty good quote, huh? 

And since it is Friday, a good Friday post is not complete without #backthatazzup! 

 

What are your happies & crappies for the week?

What about your "can't put into words" moments?

Linking up with Whitney, Jelli, and Stephanie today!  

Until next time

everybody yeah, rock your body yeah...

Alyson's back, yeah.
Welp, July has come and gone. As did my month off from blogging.  Did I miss it?  Yes.  Did I love having more time?  Yes.  Will I do this again?  Most likely.  Did I do all I wanted to accomplish?  Absolutely not.  I made the silly assumption that I would have more time to do what I wanted to do but I hardly had any Alyson time, let alone any time to do anything I had planned.  Girl needs some her time.  But I am not complaining though because it was packed full of great memories celebrating 3 years of marriage with the husband at our favorite Mexican place in Pgh followed by a long weekend in Erie, spending more time with my favorite 4 & 1 year olds, celebrating a friend who is about to come a Mrs, and spending time with my parents in St. Louis.  So I cannot be that upset:)

I wasn't sure how I wanted to begin my first blog post back after a month off but since I have been wanting to post my bucket list somewhere I figured why the hell not.  Do I think you really care?  Not necessarily.  But being the nosy person I am, I have always enjoyed reading others' and have even gotten some ideas.  So here it goes (in no specific order).

*walk across the country

*visit all 50 states (been to AL, MS, TN, GA, FL, NC, PA, NY, IL, OH, HI, CA, CO, NY, MO, AR, and OR).

*hike the PCT (I mean have you read Wild yet?) and/or the Appalachian Trail.   

*explore Europe

*go to the Middle East

*visit all of the continents

*see the Grand Canyon

*see the Northern Lights

*speak another language

*live in another country

*hike Machu Picchu

*have children

*nanny/opare in a foreign country

*become fluent in American Sign Language

*complete a 13.1 under 2 hours. 

*complete a 26.2

*see London at Christmas

*wine and champagne taste in the countryside of France

*write a book

*inpsire

*sell my photos successfully

*grow this blog

*ride in a hot air balloon

*witness a hot air balloon race

*learn html

*master manual mode

*learn how to edit in Photoshop

*drive up the east coast in the Fall

*photograph Maine lighthouses

*attend a musical festival

*forgive

*see Dave Matthews Band perform at Redrocks

*see icebergs

*renew our vows on a beach surrounded by both sides of the family

*complete a triathlon

*bike from Pgh to DC. 

*fill up passport

*go to Iceland

*make more time for girl time.

*complete a 365 photography project

*couch surf or house swap

*read camera manual

*increase vocabulary

*understand off camera flash photography

*go scuba diving

*bungy jump

*go to Mardi Gras in New Orleans and/or Mobile, AL (the original). 

*hitch-hike up the West coast

*stop comparing

*go to Greece

*grow #capturingmymoments on Instagram

*announce and have a monthly link-up on the blog. 

I am hoping to cross off some of these within the next year.  And I am sure I will be adding some along the way as well:)  Do you have a bucket list?  What's on it?  Anything similar? 

Before I leave you though, I'd like to share my favorite July #capturingmymoments from Instagram with all of you.  As always, thanks to all of you who participated!  Keep up the great work!  I am continually blown away by the moments y'all capture!

*@butinjustin1986*@bzlaforte*@diesel_girl_18*@lizbethjoy*@_kellyscott*@andiepants15*@mrsfench*@jennycorn11*@jessd412*@ctomana*@kateholquist

   

Thanks for sticking around over the past month.  I did get a chance to write down some ideas for blog posts so keep a look out for those.  In the mean time, I must get back to posting my 365 project (I am so beyond on uploading these it's not even funny, ya'll) and Cali Adventures.  Hope everyone had a great July!  I am glad to be back and hope to share some ideas I have with y'all in the near future!

Until next time

time off

Oh hey, July!  Where did you come from?  I have one favor to ask of you.  Please, pretty pretty please, do not go as fast as June went.  Much appreciated.  Thanks!

Anyway, I know I haven't been posting my recap of our California adventures like I said I would.  I haven't been in the mood.  Plain and simple.  Please do not take offense to that.  I haven't been in the mood for much these days except for reading, chillin' poolside, and drinking a gin & soda.  Preferably all three at the same time if I can help it.  

With that being said, I would like to take the month of July off from blogging.  Don't worry, I'll still be stalking all of you in the mean time.  I just need to take some time off to collect my thought, perhaps figure out where I want this here blog to go and focus more on my photography and re-open my Etsy shop.  I have a lot to look forward to this month and hopefully re-cap those moments along with my Cali adventure posts when I return in August.  I just didn't want to disappear on y'all.  I mean I would really hate to end up one of those missing persons signs or news segments when all I needed was some time off.  Because we obviously know y'all all would so very worried hehe. I hope you do decide to stick around and not give up on me quite yet.  I really have been surprised by how much I have enjoyed blogging on the regular for the last 6 months so I have every intention of returning.  Hopefully with a lot more to say and photos for your viewing pleasure.  

But before you go, check out June's #capturingmymoments Instagram photos.  These are some pretty talented folks, y'all. 

@ctomana * @principessaxox * @jennycorn11 * @diesel_girl_18 * @bustinjustin1986 * @andiepants15 * @bzlaforte * @_kellyscott * @kateholquist * @mrsfence. 

Be sure to check those folks out and follow if you'd like.  Who doesn't like more friends?  And as you may notice, in my tired/gin & soda induced haze I didn't add my correct IG handle in the collage above.  There is no man, just @acornphotography.  So if you want to follow along with this project and participate as well please be sure to follow me, I'll follow back as long as you aren't spam, so I can see your photos.  Spread the word too!  The more the merrier, right?  

Thanks to everyone who participates in this little project of mine!  I really do look forward to checking out what you are up through your eyes.  It's one of my favorite things about photography, being able to capture a second of time and being able to share it with others:)

But if you miss me that much feel free to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or here, and Flickr for my 365 photos:) 

Until August

cali adventures {palo alto}

Our Cali adventures started off with a 330am wake-up call for a 6am flight.  Haven't been up that early since  my brief employment with American Eagle airlines in November & December.  Waking up at 330 to go to the airport for a California adventure is so much cooler than waking up at 330 to go to the airport to work, let me tell ya.    

Not bad for being up since 330, huh?  And I just noticed that the husband tends to always look to his left when taking photos. I mean, what is that about (in my best Chandler)? 

We were so very lucky to have a vacant seat next to us (and get upgraded to Economy Plus seats, what what) so we were able to stretch out a little to get some shut-eye.  

Unfortunately we were not as prepared as this guy.  He knows what's up.  And I only tease because I was actually really jealous of his preparedness.  

Our flight took off on time, was a smooth ride the entire, and even arrived a little early.  Miracles do exist in the airlines.  Since we got in a little earlier than anticipated, we had to wait a little for my sister, M, to pick us up so we grabbed a cup of coffee in the airport before heading out to wait.  

(And can I tell you how strange it is to travel back in time.  We arrived around 830, which for us was 1130, and was slightly confused as to why everyone was just eating breakfast.  It can trip you out for a little.)

Anyway, M had just come off a 12 hour night shift from the hospital so she was hungry and craving a good diner breakfast.  Who were we to argue? A good diner wouldn't be complete without 1970s blue booths and an American flag, don't ya think?  

M decided she would stay up with us, so husband and I had no excuse to complain about being too tired to do anything, so she showed us around her new city of Palo Alto.  She lives 2 blocks from University Ave where everything from local bars & restaurants to chain stores are located along a tree lined street.  I am not sure if it is the lack of humidity or not, but I swear California air is just feels cleaner.  

We we were starting to fade a little so husband suggested we find a park to hang out in and get reacquainted with the earth (apparently walking barefoot on the ground/grass can cure jetlag).  And much to my surprise it did help.  We just sat and caught up on everything that has been going on in our lives.  Which for us, is not much.  

M pulled out bubbles because that is the most obvious thing to pull out of your purse while at the park, right? 

Loved the pink petals on these steps.  I am such a sucker for anything pink. 

We then headed back to M's to change into our swimsuits in the hopes of finding an open pool to relax in.  However, since it was a Tuesday and I am assuming the kids weren't out of school yet, none of the public pools were open to the public.  M even used her Stanford University hospital ID to get us passes to the Stanford University pool.  Again, to no avail.  But damn, do they have nice facilities. 

Us still smiling after our two failed attempts at finding a pool.  After getting yelled out for almost walking on the track, we decided to sit and watch some of the track and/or cross country runners practice.

the flags from the different schools in Stanford's Pac12 conference.  

At this point we were all pretty hungry so we headed to Trader Joe's for groceries and decided to just have a dinner of cheese, sausage, and crackers with 5 bottles a LOT of wine on M's little patio right outside her apartment.  She made some of the best brie I have ever had.  

The view from where we sat eating and drinking and eating and drinking.  Not bad, huh?  Clear blue skies are all I need to qualify for a nice view. 

Our goal was to try to stay awake until 8.  M's friend from work came over so we had more wine, jammed to the 90s Spotify station and played games until almost midnight.  And since husband made us all take vitamins before bed none of us woke up with a hangover.  A real holiday miracle! 

linking up with Bre, Lisette, and Tarole.

Until next time

letting go {and #capturingmymoments}

I am not sure why, but I have had an influx of GFC followers

this week, but I love love LOVE it!  Hello to you, my new

follower:)  Welcome!  And thanks so much for staying.

Happy Friday to you!  Today is the last day of May, which means 

today is the last day for topics from Story of My Life.  Also, for those 

of you who are new around here, sharing my #capturingmymoments

hashtag project over on Instagram.  I'll get to that a little later though.

Like I said, today is the last day for blogging everyday in May

from Story of My Life.  While I did not participate in all of the prompts, 

I did enjoy having it there as an excuse to blog more.  I really had fun
with this and I have no idea what I am going to blog about in June (well at 

least until I get back from our trip to Palo Alto).  

Anywayyyyyy, yesterday's prompt was to respond to "Letting go."

I really liked the idea of this one since I have been doing a lot of

that recently: 

I have let go of the idea that my parents will always approve 

of the decisions I make in my life.  I have to live my life, for me.

No one else.  My parents have raised me to the person I am today.

While I would like to think they are proud, I cannot let worrying 

about what they think get in the way of living. 

I have let go of the person who I thought I was supposed to be so 

I can become the person I am meant to be.  Sound familiar?

It is the new-ish motto of this blog (and my life).  When I was younger I

had my life planned out completely different than it has so far turned out.
So instead of  being disappointed by that I am choosing to love the life I have
because if I am really honest with myself, I am, for the first time in
my life, actually happy and content.  

Now, it's time to share some of my favorites from the hashtag project

on Instagram.  New around these parts? Here is the what the project is

all about.  

Thanks to everyone who participated:)  I was excited to see some

new names on there!  Please spread the word.  Also, if your account

is private make sure you follow me (I'll follow back!) so you show

up in the #capturingmymoments feed.  

And yes, I do realize I did not share my 365 last week.  I was going

to today, but husband just got home and quite frankly, I am starting to sweat 

my tush off so I am signing off until tomorrow.  

Today's link-ups: