DIY: Mixed Media Photos

So this is not your typical DIY post. I came across this project I recently did and was thinking, "self, this would be such an easy project to tell others about!" The only problem is, I already did the project and didn't photograph "the steps" that are oh so common in a DIY blog post. But this is just too fun to hold out on all of you so bare with me! Andy and I set up this little "studio" in our backyard with a white sheet and took this awesome photos haha. I saw awesome very sarcastically =) Then, I printed them on matte paper super cheap at Sams Club. Keep in mind, this is not for professional purposes - strickly fun. Then, I used regular acrylic paint and just doodled on them! Haha, easy as that.

Here are the images before I painted on them

A close up of my paint doodles

The finished product!! Let me know what you think =)

Hearted

While in Seattle, my sister and I got to chatting about the world of blogging (as we usually do) She has a Tublr blog which, in her perspective, has a much different purpose than say, my blog. She does a lot of re-posting, and re-quoting things she sees from other Tumblr blogs. Just anything she finds inspiring, humorous, or political... or in many cases, all 3! She a political science major at SPU so she gets all the political jargon. Anyways, we were chatting about my blog and how it has evolved so much from when it was first a class assignent for a journalism class to what it is now. We decided that my blog needs some organization, so after much deliberation I came up with a few categories and I am proud to introduce the first one to you today! Say hello to "Hearted." In this section I will be showcasing things that I (heart) I say that a lot all the time, "Alyssa, I heart you!" So I felt it appropriate for things that I love and/or find inspiring. So here we go....

This picture just cause my eye because I normally am drawn to more neutral dark fall-ish tones. Something about this image is just so inspiring and fresh. To me, this is the epitome of spring. Makes me want to paint furniature white and paint a candle holder light teal =) The coolest part is you can get this wallpaper along with hundreds of fabulous designs at Wallpaper from the 70s!! What about you, what does this image inspire in you?

This little organic notebooks from Scout Books are just the cutest things ever! The best part is, you can make custom notebooks!! You can upload graphics, designs, logos, whatever you want! As I was exploring the website, I was thinking what a great marketing tool?? These are just a couple of the pre-made books that you can order for only $10

I hope you liked the inspirations, let me know what inspires you!

Vote Vote!!

Attention all people everywhere! My bestest oldest friend in the world needs your vote!

About a month ago, I told Shannon that she should enter to win this Dream Love Shoot from Green Wedding Shoes thanks to photographer Caroline Tran. Her and her husband Scott have the cutest story ever - doesn't hurt and Andy and I helped set them up =) Anways, they have the best funky style and the biggest hearts and they need your vote - so check it out here and vote Shannon +Scott all day long =)

Their story:
We were married August 21, 2009 among our closest family and friends at my grandparents ranch. Our wedding was perfection, just the perfect weather, wonderful people, and a whole bunch of dancing to celebrate our love. We met back in 2007 through mutual friends and became an official couple a few months after meeting and married a little over a year after! There was nothing holding us back from committing our love and lives to each other. We felt (and feel) so blessed to call the other partner, lover, and best friend. Our relationship is fun, incredibly silly, and full of love. We make everything a game - from who can guess right answers, who can run faster up the stairs, seriously anything and everything is turned into a competition. It's pure fun, however, Scott swears he will always win regardless of how hard I try. Scott is an avid golfer and is extremely good at the game. I am soon to graduate college and aspire to work in design.

Our dream shoot would be a nod to Scott's passion for golf and my passion for all things vintage. It would be so wonderful to have a shoot featuring the sport that is so close to my husband's heart. He loves the history and old style golfers had back then. It would be so special to us to have photos taken of us in our first year of marriage, to capture this new and wonderful journey we are on.

Our dream shoot would take place at a rustic and historical golf course with visually stunning holes and great architectural buildings. It would have a vintage European feel with antique golf attire, knickers, and equipment. Old school country club style infused with dress of the Kentucky derby too. Scott would wear old knickers, argyle socks and shirt, along with a hat of the period. I would be featured in a vintage style dress, giving a nod to the time, along with that style of make up and a fantastic derby hat.

Her inspiration Board for her Dream Love Shoot

Road Trip: Seattle

Over Valentines weekend, I had the amazing opportunity to go to Seattle, Washington to be with my sister, and best friend. I am so thankful for such an opportunity! Since she moved there I have only seen her at Christmas, how sad is that?! We spent the whole weekend just doing everything and going everywhere we could. She planned everything out - even a little itinerary for us! Isn't she awesome. So of course, here are some photos from my travels. We did did TONS of vintage/thrift store shopping, which I L-O-V-E-D, we ate tons of amazing food, and just spent some quality sister time.

p.s. My shopping was in the underground thrift store in Fremont - if you go to Seattle - you MUST check it out!

It was a little hard to take photos because it was raining literally the whole time, so please don't judge me too harshly =)

My beautiful sister =)

The amazing house my sister nannies at

A fold trio outside the original Starbucks - I was in coffee heaven!

View from 3rd story of Elliot Bay Book Company

Normally I'm afraid of clowns... but this one seemed friendly

Love this city!

Love Wins

Happy almost Valentines Day bloggers! I'm not the hugest V-Day fan... but I am this year particularly because I am in Seattle visiting my sister Alyssa, who I haven't seen in months. She is seriously the most amazing person ever and I'm lucky to call her my best friend. She moved up to this big city this last fall and I am sooo loving the city. Since yesterday (Friday) I was flying and then tromping around downtown Seattle shopping and eating all while dragging my suitcase behind me mind you, I wasn't able to post a Valentines freebie for your guys yestday =( So even though today is Saturday... free is free haha.

This beautiful postcard was designed by one of my best friend's big sister - you may have heard of her... Promise Tangeman! She posted this on her blog earlier this week and I knew I had to share it with you. So if you haven't seen this inspiring unique design - check out here blog HERE and you can download one for yourself to send to a friend or anything else fabulous. And while you're there check out the rest of her stuff and leave a comment or two saying thank you!!!

Have a wonderful Valentines and 3-day weekend!

Spring Is In The Air

In the midst of all the rain and wintery weather, it is beginning to feel more and more like spring. All the rain is making the hills green and I have the sudden desire to wear flowers with everything haha. So I guess that means spring is almost here, right? Not only are my flower instincts ready for spring - Etsy seems to be ready as well. All the etsy shops are full in bloom with bright and fun colors and I absolutely love it! To start out the week, here are some of my favs with a hint of daffodil yellow and what would you call this? Robin's egg blue perhaps? Where is crayola when you need them - you know those people that name all the crayons the crazy specific names. Ok, I'm rambling =)

Make sure you check these awesome stores for more lovelies!

From Top to Bottom (Left to Right)
Carrie Necklace
Yellow Scarf
Fine Art Print
Yellow Bag
Dress
Pouch
Bowls

Freebie Friday!

Yikes is it Friday already?! How did that happen. Well, guess you get another freebie hahaha. This week's freebie is more like an invite to a FREE event (if you live in LA) sorry =/ The last few months I've been freelance writing for this ah-maz-ing online magazine called Yoo N' La. I posted about this a little while ago showcasing one of the interviews I did on the band Shattered Atom if you recall. You can check out the official article at the magazine now!


The purpose of the mag is to connect young people living in Los Angeles with eachother and showcase all the "different" groups and styles and just awesome stuff that is going on in LA. Cool, right? Well, after months of all of us slaving away over it (hehe, not really it was fun) the launch is FINALLY here! The online edition was officially up a couple of days ago - you can check it out HERE and our Yoo N' LA Launch party is TONIGHT in Santa Monica and the best part is, it is totally FREE (if you get there before 9) after 9 it is only $5 - what a deal!