Hippy.

 

 

// Sweater: Francescas // Dress: Wet Seal // Tights: Betsy Johnson @ Burlington Coat Factory // Boots: Thrifted // Purse: Patricia Nash // Necklace: PacSun //
CLICK HERE For a tutorial on this hairstyle

About a week ago, I was talking on the phone to my sister Marnie and she said something 

that I thought was pretty funny.

She said,

"You're turning into a hippy."

 She was referring to my 

365-day hair project and my style in general.

Because, I mean, now that my hair is turning ombré, I'm not blow drying or teasing my hair, and I'm going thrift store shopping,

apparently that makes me a hippy.

Right?

I was so amused by her comment that I made a post to Facebook about it.

I got an awesome comment back from a guy I know named Rob.

He said,

"I think what your sister meant was, 'you're awesome, and have quite the swanky style.'  Diggin' it. Excellent work with the hair also."

Success.

See, Marns?

I am NOT a hippy.

I am swanky.

Underwater.

Underwater.

No air.

Oddly enough,

I don't care.

Tears streaming,

babies screaming,

still I sit

dreaming.

Living life as a

shell.

Dusty, dull,

hollow.

How to break out

I do not know,

too big a piece to

swallow.

No one seems to know,

No one understands.

Too hard to keep up

Too many demands.

Underwater.

No air.

I am right in front of you.

But not really there.

An original poem - 1.8.12

Inspired.

After my guest post (post removed from her blog, sorry!) over at Miss Mommy this week,
I received a lot of really positive feedback.

And, while it is so wonderful that you all are supportive,
you may be just too nice with what you said about me.
But that's probably my own fault.
I may have lead you to think that way with my way of writing.

In fact, many people even referred to me as inspiring.
Ladies— I love you, but I was anything but inspiring (during that time).
I mean... in that post I did reveal a lot... but I will admit that I still glammed it up.
Quite a bit.
I mean... I left out some BIG details. But those are my details.
[[And quite embarrassing for me, actually]].
I tore apart the lives, and dignity, of many who I love.
I am not a person to be looked up to during that time.
Just trust me on that one.

Anyway— your comments got me thinking.
Since I don't necessarily agree with the term "inspiring," I thought I'd come up with a few things I learned about myself based on the happenings in that post.

Courage: 
Never before had I stepped so outside the lines of the clearly drawn map. Now, I know I can.
Growth: 
Boy, when you make choices like that... you grow. For the better. Always.
Humility: 
Accepting each and every thing that I did wrong to get to that point and then forgiving myself was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.
Strength: 
Forgiving myself for some of the worst decisions I have ever made took incredible strength. I am now a very strong person.
Honesty: 
Coming out and telling the world your true feelings can be very daunting. If you let it overwhelm you, you'll be stuck forever. Be true to yourself...
Integrity:
...The only thing greater than being honest with the world is being honest with yourself. I made decisions. I owned up to them. I was forgiven. I forgave myself. In my opinion, integrity shows in every person more than any other aspect.
Love: 
I have learned the greatest love through the whole experience. Enough love to let someone go. Love for another that I didn't know was possible. Love for God. Love for myself.

Please, don't refer to my Miss Mommy post as inspiring.
Look to the way I'm living now, and my new perspective on life as inspiring.
If I can inspire, help, or save one person by sharing what I have experienced,
then it is all worth it.

Looking back is at thing of the past.
All I can do now is live every moment as it is—beautiful and right in front of me.
I will never look back and say "what if" because
I'm finished looking back.
And I'm so excited for what the future holds.

*****************************************************************

 And now... to lighten the mood a bit...
how about an inspired copycat outfit?

The original:

Sarah @ Frills4Thrills

The inspired copycat:

// Sweater: Ross // Scarf: Hospital gift shop // Top: Lauren Conrad for Kohls // Pants: Target // Shoes& Boots: Thrifted //

See that photo? Right up there? And that sexy guy in the gray shirt? HE makes it all worth it.

 

Thursday 13: Pet Peeves

 That's my annoyed face. It's says,"Really? Are you SERIOUS? WHAAA???"

We. All. Have. Them.

Yes.

Pet peeves.

If I offend you--

I apologize...

but (1) other people probably agree with me

and (2) if you're offended you're probably the pet-peeve offender!

And either way... this is a fun one.

Enjoy!

My pet peeves are:

1. When people leave the toilet seat up (I put this as #1 because, um, Mister Daniel... we are going to have issues if this is not resolved by the time I move in).
2. Loud, obnoxious laughter. Oh. My. Goodness. I definitely can think of TWO people who, when they laugh— I want to smack them! (Is that too harsh?)
3. Sagging pants. GROSS! 
4. Littering. There is absolutely NO REASON to litter. Ever.
5. Grocery carts left in the middle of the parking lot. I mean... really, people? Are you THAT lazy? I have a friend who has admitted to doing this... it drives me bonkers.
6. Solicitation phone calls.
7. Disorganized, cluttered desk messes. I don't know how people do it!
8. When people say, "I know, right?!" after every single sentence. I'm sure you have a friend who does that.
9. "Crop dusting" in public places (like a meeting, or store). Come on... take it outside or to the restroom.
10. Poor grammar and misuse of the following: you're and your. Two, to and too. There, they're and their. IT'S NOT THAT HARD! 
11. (Pet peeve removed due to offensive nature). I sincerely apologize for offending anyone by this posting.
12. When people heat up stinky things in the microwave at work that end up stinking up the whole office... especially when you tell that person that their stuff smells!
13. Misuse of the words "gay" and "retarded." OK-- really fast... there is NO EXCEPTION to this. By calling something "gay" or "retarded" when you're really referring to it as lame or stupid is incredibly offensive. I think this just may be my #1 biggest pet peeve.

Next Week's Topic? "Yes or No?" Email me for the Yes or No questions. Join the Party!

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Just a Lovely Little Tag.

// Blazer: Thrifted // Top: TJ Maxx // Jeans: Silver // Shoes: Black Poppy // Necklace: F21

Sometimes,

tag posts are really fun.

Especially when they come from 

cutie patooties.

Like Jessica @

Lovely Little Things. 

She makes me smile, 

she is quite lovely herself,

and she tagged me with a couple questions

that I'm pretty dog-gone excited to answer.

So let's have at it, shall we?

Here are 11 facts about mah-self.

1. I am an organization freak. I'm in the process of moving (yayyy Daniel!) and my lack of organization is driving me crazy-pants.
2. I don't like drinking ice water without a straw. I know I'm not alone in this. When the ice hits my teeth it drives me insane!
3. I have all my nail polish displayed on professional nail polish racks. No big.
4. I could eat sushi for every meal of every day (with ice cream on the side occasionally).
5. Lately, I have ONLY been listening to CD's that were burned for me. There's something special about listening to tunes when you know the person who made them was thinking about you while they selected those tracks.
6. I'm fairly certain that my favorite musician is Bob Marley. I'm no hippy, but I love the melodies and the tropical, relaxing feel of his music.
7. I have a severe weakness when it comes to berry pie or cobbler. Nommy nom nom. (Gross, can't believe I just said "nom")
8. I will always claim to be unfashionable... but dang, girl, sometimes my outfits turn out to be super-rad.
9. I may or may not have 2 tattoos.
10. I'm a very hard person to live with if you're a female. I can get really mean, bossy, and stubborn sometimes (for realski's, just ask my sister!). I don't mean to! In freshman year of college, BOTH my dorm roomies moved out (and transferred schools) at semester. Unfortunately, I still blame myself.
11. I'd rather read than watch TV anyday. ANY. DAY. In fact, the ONLY TV show that captivates my attention is Castle. OOH Castle, how I love thee.

And here are the questions I need to answer:

1. How did you choose your blog name?
•  Great question! As you probably know, it used to be Simply Aunie, but that was just far too simple. Aunie Sauce makes sense. Why? It just does. It's like your little daily dose of me, in a spicy, random way.
2. If you could change your name what would you change it to?
•  Well, I actually really like my name. Annelise. I like the ring it has. You say it ah-nah-lis-ah. Most people get that wrong. So maybe I'd just change the spelling to AnaLisa. Nahh... I'm me, and that's that!
3. What's your favorite book?
•  ANYTHING by Michael Connelly. I'm a sucker for a good detective mystery.
4. What are 3 adjectives that best describe you?
•  Funny you should ask. I just described myself in 3 adjectives on this blog today. They would be: quirky, bubbly and saaaauuucccyyy.
5. What blog (only one!) inspires you the most?
•  Is this a trick question? Um... as far as inspiration, I'd have to say The Shine Project. That girl has so much ambition to CHANGE THE WORLD. I wish we could all be that brave.
6. What is your favorite room in your house/apartment and why?
•  Um... my room. I am currently living with my dad... about to move in with a new family... and the only space I have is my room.
7. If you could only eat at one restaurant for the rest of your life which one would you pick?
•  Well, shucks! I pretty much answered this above! Fujiyama sushi restaurant!
8. If you could have one which would you choose - someone who does all of your cooking or someone who does all of your cleaning?
•  COOKING!!! I am just beginning to cook, but that's a daily thing. I LOVE to organize and I'm all about keeping a clean space, so I'd take care of that fo-sho.
9. You just won the lottery. First thing you'd do?
•  This may sound petty... but I would hustle my buns right over to Ideal Image and get all the hair lasered off my legs. In a heartbeat. Then... I'd sit and think for a while about what to do with the rest.
10. What is the craziest thing you've ever done?
•  Well... I tend not to be a crazy person. I almost always play by the rules. So... does killing a hobo spider with my shoe count? >>>> Didn't think so.
11. What is your life motto?
•  Bloom where you are planted!

OK. Don't judge. I'm supposed to pick 11 people 

to tag, but I'm far too lazy. So I tag YOU! 

Here are 11 questions for you to answer:

1. What person do you look up to the most?
2. What is your dream car?
3. If you could collect one thing, what would it be?
4. If you could get rid of one of your bad habits, which would it be?
5. What is your FAVORITE thing about yourself?
6. What is one thing you would change about yourself at this very moment?
7. One thing you would change about the world?
8. Do you make your bed everyday? Explain.
9. 3 things you would want on a deserted island? Only 3...
10. Would you rather be a business-person or homemaker?
11. No new clothes for the rest of your life? Or no new shoes??

I'd love for you to come back to this post and link

your response to the questions in the comments.

PS>> I'm featured today on Through The Eyes of Mrs. Go check that awesomeness out!

xo

Okay

// Blouse: Francescas // Pants: Target // Shoes: Rocket Dog // Earrings: Premier Design //
Visit my hairstyle tutorial for this look here.

Yesterday, a dear girl named Chelsie shared a beautiful quote with me.
It was in response to my guest post on Miss Mommy.
I wanted to share it with you.

It pretty much sums up my entire yesterday...
The past. The present. The future.

It's funny how one phone call,
one decision,
one message,
one chance meeting,
one text,
one missed turn,
one reaction,
one handshake,
one mistake,
one blog post...
can change your entire day.

But no matter what happens... you're okay.
And at the end of the day—I am, and I will be, okay.

 The quote said,

"Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end."

Blank.

Good morning!

Today I have a pretty fun post for you. It's all about how I'm "Blank."

BUT...

There are a couple more places you can find me today, too.

I'd like you to also visit the blog adelynSTONE as well.

I guest posted there yesterday about something that is very close to my heart,

and something that I struggle with every single day.

If you would like a little more insight into me... that's the post to read.

AAAnd... I know I usually seem like the happy-go-lucky type,
but the past 7-months have been a whirlwind.
By that- I mean marriage, divorce, heartache and heartbreak.
To read more about my crazy past and how I'm a better person today,
go see me at Miss Mommy (Post was removed, apparently. Sorry!).
I'm also doing a giveaway there... so go visit!

Anyway... read this one, too!

 

* Jacket: Express * Hoodie: Gap * Tank: Hollister * Pants: Target * Shoes: Steve Madden * Earrings: Premier Design * Heart bracelet: Fossil * Green bracelet: Fossil * Leather bracelet: c/o Payton Woodcraft *

See the bracelet above? The white leather one? 

Want to win it? Enter here!!

Today I'm copy-catting one of my fave bloggers, Kristen @ Confessions of a GDS. Copy-catting is the most sincere form of flattery, right? Kristen, you know I love you... and in fact I know you had copy-catted this post from another blogger... so it's just a big endless circle of love we've got going on here in the blogosphere right now.

Anyway... I'm all of these blanks...

I'm weird because...

I collect bouncy balls. 800+

(Don't judge...) I love popping blackheads. OOH yeah.

Of the way I dress. Yep. It's true.

I'm a bad friend because...

As a kid I moved often, so I don't keep in touch with past friends.

Sometimes I only think of myself.

I don't go out of my way.

I'm a good friend because...

If someone needs help, you KNOW I will help them out.

I love to listen!

I am a people pleaser... what you want, you get!

I have a LOT of love to give. I cherish friends.

I'm sad because...

It's still winter. I NEED summer.

The Harry Potter movies are finished. So sad.

The Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 1 movie was so bad.

I've been taking too long to answer blog emails lately.

I'm happy because...

I'm pretty much always happy...

I got asked to move into Daniel's this weekend! Yay!

I made chili for dinner tonight and everyone loved it.

I'm learning to cook.

I have almost 200 followers on my blog. 

I'm in a really good place with my emotions right now. 

I'm excited for...

A trip to Oklahoma in May for a (shhh!) wedding.

My sister's wedding in September.

Vacations this summer with Daniel.

This next month... I'm doing the Fitness Challenge at my gym! (I won't win, but it's still fun!)

Why are you "BLANK"?

Oh>> and if you didn't go visit adelynSTONE yet... head there now!!

And if THAT isn't enough for you, I'm also giving away an ad space and a Miss Mommy necklace over at Miss Mommy today. Check me there, too!

Maxi & Blazer.

Wednesday in Idaho we had our first big snow of the season. 

Doesn't it just figure that I would pick that one day to wear a maxi dress? 

The funny thing is that I had tights on at one point... but it just didn't look right.

So what did I do? Yep, wear flats.

No socks.

No tights.

Wet feet alllll day.

With puddles outside my office almost half a foot deep... I was not a happy camper.

The original:

 

The copycat:

// Blazer: Gap Thrifted // Maxi: Marshalls // Tank: Hollister // Shoes: Black Poppy // Necklace: Thrifted // Bracelet: Gifted (Love you Andy!) //

So how do I combat winter weather in a dress? Leg warmers. Yep. Leg. Warmers.

And not just any leg warmers.

Boise. State. Leg. Warmers.

I think I just elevated my dork status to "ultra-nerd."

Don't judge. 
 Don't forget to enter my giveaway! Closes Tuesday the 24th @ Midnight!

Thursday 13: Unrealistic Wishes

 // Sweater: Thrifted // Tank: Ross // Jeans: Target // Shoes: Black Poppy // Necklace: Burlington Coat Factory //

Admit it.
We all have them.
Incredibly unrealistic (usually materialistic) wishes.

Today I'm sharing mine.
Some make sense.
Some may not.
But that's what I want.

I wish:

1. I could fly. Peter Pan style... minus the fairy dust. This has been my ultimate wish for my entire life.
2. I had a trampoline room. Trampolines for the floor, walls AND ceiling. And a super-tall ceiling to go with it. Remember how I used to be a cheerleader? Yep... I would dominate that room.
3. That dogs stayed in the puppy stage. Of course I'd want them to mature mentally, but I would just want them to look like puppies forever. Would that be awesome or what?
4. I had a vacation pad (shoot, even a shack) in Hawai'i. 'Nuf said.
5. Money wasn't an issue.
6. I could eat ANYTHING I wanted (Oreo's all day baby) and not gain a pound.
7. I could apparate Harry Potter style.
8. I had no hair below my hairline. I don't think I need to elaborate.
9. Um... that I could sing (and have it actually sound good)...
10. For no more fighting! Period!! I guess you could call this one "World Peace"... and yep, that's an unrealistic wish. So it makes the list.
11. 24/7 summertime. I guess I could just move to Hawai'i or California... but I like Idaho. I'm a summer girl through and through and winter gives me a big-time frowny face.
12. For the "perfect love." And you know what... I think I may be just about there in my current situation. It's true.  Yep, Daniel... talking about you. Once we square away our hangry issues... I think we'll be perfect! :')
13. I could be paid to be a full-time blogger. This is my most current, desperate wish. 

Sometimes I compare myself to Veruca Salt.

Her infamous quote is pretty much my favorite:

"I want the world. I want the WHOLE world. I want to lock it all up in my pocket.

It's MY bar of chocolate. Give it to me NOW!" 

Make sure to link up in the comments so we can ALL see your awesome wishes.

Don't forget to grab the NEW button for your post! 

Next Week's Topic? Pet Peeves (fun, right?). Email me for more info. Join the Party!

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Create an Animated GIF in Photoshop

Boy, oh boy do I have a treat for you today.
I've been getting a heck-of-a-lot of emails from you wondering how I create those cool animated photos that I love so much.

Well, guess what?
My lovely friend Kristen, over @ Confessions of a Graphic Design Student
is here today to show you just how to make those very awesome photos come to life.

Oh, and she's pretty cool herself.
If you don't go visit, it'll give me a frowny face.
And trust me, my frowny face is an ugly one... so you do NOT want that.

*****************************************

 Hey friends of Aunie! I'm Kristen and I blog over at Confessions of a Graphic Design Student. Like my animated GIF? :)  Is it just me or do these GIF's seem to be all the rage lately?! I can see why. They are cute, fun, and capture attention without being obnoxious. And since Aunie is the queen of animated GIF's, I thought I would put together a nice little Photoshop tutorial for her readers that are currently in a state of GIF envy!   Intimidated? Don't be!   It's actually, quite possibly, one of the most simple tutorials ever. F'reals.  I'm going to walk you through it using Photoshop CS5. Now, I know there are many websites out there that will make one for you (www.makeagif.com) and if you want to take the easy way out, by all means, go ahead. But, if you are awesome and want to know the tricks behind the trade, open up that beautiful blue PS icon and let's get started!  HOW TO MAKE AN ANIMATED GIF: So first and foremost (this may be obvious) is to have some photos of yourself ready to go. I would suggest keeping the background the same in each photo, so it's not just a slideshow of pictures but more of an animation. Use as many photos as you want. I spent a good hour making silly faces with Photobooth and narrowed it down to five images. Make sure to save them in their own folder. 

1. Create a new document in Photoshop and make sure the dimensions match your photos (if you want it to be displayed on your blog make sure the sizing will fit the dimensions of your post section- more details on that later). 
2. Have both your PS document and the photo file open so they are both visible on your screen. Select all of the photos you want to use and drag them onto your document. If you sized the document dimensions to match your photos they should all fit and line up perfectly. 
3. You will notice the photos have an X across it. Place the photos by hitting Enter so each one will have their own layer. Keep hitting enter until all of your photos are on separate layers.
4. Next, you want to open your Animation palette 
• (Window>Animation)
5. Go to the drop down menu on the top right hand side of the palette.  
   • Choose "Make Frames from Layers"
6. You should see small thumbnails of all of your photos appear. You can easily rearrange them by clicking and dragging the thumbnails to the desired frame order. 
7. Now you want to set up the time delay and loop settings. Go to the palette drop down menu again and click on "Select All Frames"
8. You will notice there are default time delay settings at the bottom of each thumbnail. Since all of your photos are selected, click the arrow next to the time delay setting and choose the desired duration (I chose 0.5 seconds for mine). The new duration should now show up under all of your frames.  
9. You will also notice there is a small drop down menu on the lower left hand side below the thumbnails with the loop setting. Choose "Forever."
10. Now you just need to save it! Go to File>Save for Web and Devices...
11. Make sure the format is set to GIF, click on Save, And you're done!

Now you can sit back and watch your pretty pictures come to life!

YOU. ROCK.

NOTE: When I uploaded my GIF to Blogger for publishing it did not animate unless it was clicked on. I guess this is a common glitch for Blogger users, so the way to get around it is by uploading to a free hosting site like Photobucket. Once uploaded it should start animating (if it's not then you did something wrong during saving). Grab the HTML image code and copy it into your post's HTML tab (This is why you want to have the dimensions match your posting area so it will fit- Photobucket did not offer any resizing options!).

Also, if you want to be extra cool you can edit each photo first by doing color splashes like Aunie does. I will be highlighting that technique in my next tutorial along with many others, so if this was helpful for you please stop by my blog and follow! :)

xo, Kristen

*****************************************

Whoa-- amazing, right?

See, I do all mine over at Picasion.com... and hers is so much nicer.

Mine always have a terrible, grainy texture to them... and Kristen's is absolutely perfect.

She's cool because:

1. She's super cute.
2. Her haircut is awesome. And you know I love hair.
3. She and I ALWAYS comment on each other's posts and email back and forth.
4. She featured little 'ol me last week on her Confess to a GDS series. 
5. She used the word F'reals. Yes she did. Right up there. Find it. She's awesome.

I hope you enjoyed Kristen's wonderful tutorial! 
Head on over to her page and say "hiya, new buddy!"

xo

January Sponsor Shout-Out

Puhhh-lease tell me you've heard of Payton Woodcraft Jewelry Designs.

'Cuz if not... now is your time to check 'em out.

Let me just say:

ah-maz-ing.

Not only are Kristi and Sean (the owners) beautiful people,

but they are talented, nice, and so fun to work with.

I higggghhhlllyyy suggest giving them a visit at their website.

In fact, I'll give you some incentive to do so down below.

But first, go ahead and read a little bit about PWJD, why don't you?

********************************************************************

We make handcrafted/ reclaimed wood necklaces and nature inspired jewlery.... We use lots of  wood, leather, silver, sea glass and natural stones and have created an eco friendly - eco chic line that people love because of its quality, uniqueness and beauty...Our customers find a piece that is personal to them for themselves or someone special.... We personalize all of our leather pieces by adding charm or stone so you can make it your own.

It is our mission to create your favorite piece of jewelry that goes with just about everything. Much like your favorite boots or handbag, timeless and unique… Not only does it look good, but it reflects who you are.

My husband Sean is a carpenter.  We have a romantic story? Want to read it? Click here! We had gotten pregnant with my second daughter, his first.  My first daughter Blue is 13 and Sheah is now 4.  I wanted to be home with her and left my job as an area manager for a retail store and  lost the bulk of our income to stay home with Sheah.  I asked Sean if he would make some woodcrafts  and I would sell them on the weekends to make ends meet.  He worked full time and came home and made wine bottle holders for me to sell at craft fairs...  which are also very cool by the way :)  While out in the wood shop he missed us and would make me a wood heart necklace or Celtic knot on a rope and they became my favorite pieces.  I received enough compliments to realize maybe we should make jewelry too!!  I added silver and started to add a stone bracelets, leather cuffs etc..... and Payton Woodcraft Jewelry Design was born.... We are blessed that we have such a loyal following and have found something we love to do together!!  We are happy to say that all of our wood pieces are made from reclaimed pieces of wood.   We hope you love it as much as we do!!  xo

 ********************************************************************

 How awesome is that story?

See, I told you.

Ah-maz-ing.

Now... how would you like to win a bracelet of your own? In fact, I own one, too!

Don't be jelly. You know you want one.
It even comes with a cute charm!

So spread the word. Enter below.

And put your lucky socks on so you can win!

[[UPDATE!]] Giveaway closed. Thanks for entering!

Winner: Chelsea Berryman

PS> Find me today over at adelynSTONE. I'm giving away a large ad space for February!