From AG to Z

Nerd Alert.

alyssagill — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:16:46 +0000

Teacher’s pet. Brown noser. Goodie two shoes. I’ve been called them all. Because I actually LIKE LEARNING. Goodness, I love it. I loved school. Sometimes I hated the I was awkward/not very cool/pretty shy part of things. But I connected with teachers so well. I’ve always connected well with those older than me. Put me in a room of middle aged men and women- I can talk their ear off. Put me in a room of 20 something young professionals. FROZEN. I work really hard to be the outgoing person I am, even though I tend to be a bit introverted by nature. But trumping all those dynamics- put me in a classroom setting and I am in heaven.

I don’t know how I lucked out, but I honestly had THE BEST teachers growing up. I still remember lessons learned in almost every classroom during my elementary school days. Which seems ridiculous. And although years K – 2 are not as vibrantly stamped in my mind anymore I remember the teachers and their relationships with me so clearly. I remember great things about these first few years as a DCES Cub, like igloos out of milk jugs, angels created from stamping our feet and hands, the polar bear express, and other super magical experiences. But many of the memories have started to fade away.

But then there was third grade. I remember A LOT about third grade. Like how on the first day of class my teacher (Mrs. B) told our class it was not appropriate to run and push people over when getting into line. I remember this because she showed us the wrong way to do it. Her overdramatic impersonation of third graders lining up for lunch left an impression. I giggled, a lot. And not just that day- but the whole year. I remember on Friday afternoons we got to choose what classroom we went to and each room had a different activity going on. Obviously I always wanted to stay in her room. I hated when it was her week off- I remember playing this game with plastic pots and pennies. . . the details are a bit fuzzy but I know I really loved that game. I remember that our pencil sharpener was on the wall in the front of the room and a few times the boy in my class who I thought was cute would sharpen his pencil and I would rush to sharpen mine too. (Sorry Mrs. B- nothing to do with you, he apparently left his mark too I remember two kids in our class “getting married” at recess and Mrs. B calling them up in the middle of class to tell us about their marriage. I remember feeling like I would DIE of embarrassment if she had called me up in class like that. Memories from field trips and field days, assemblies, and special events from that year are marked so clearly in my heart. My favorite memory of all revolves around Halloween. Since you can’t just celebrate Halloween at school without offending someone we had a “Dress up Day” where each grade had to dress reflecting a specific theme. For us third graders, it was storybook characters. Specifically, we may have even had to dress as a character from a book we had read that year. . . or maybe that was just my plan since I love to be a suck up Either way, my fabulous teacher Mrs. B was planning on being Wilbur from Charlotte’s Web- a book we had recently read. And I, was going to be the ever-graceful Charlotte. The spider that the book is based on!! I felt like a ROCKSTAR. I was so excited to show up to school in coordinating attire. But then, the most terrible thing that could happen to a sweet third grade spider happened to me. I got PINK EYE. This was a yearly occurrence for me- so the minute I woke up my mom knew it. Y’all you can’t hide pink eye. If I had a cold, the flu- heck even swine flu I could have gone to school and at least made it through the parade of costumes. But no. My dreadful eye gave me away. My mom had made me the BEST spider costume I had ever seen. I had the coolest legs and you know- and I was just pumped about being a spider. How many of y’alls teachers were wearing couple costumes with you in third grade?? Dynamic Duo is probably how we would have been referred to in the days following. Instead, I had to settle wearing my spider costume to a Halloween party where a group of girls from school told me I was ugly. And then I cried. and my mom tried to make it better by saying that spiders are suppose to be ugly. So it was actually a compliment. But these mean girls weren’t rookies when it came to tormenting me so I let it get to me. I actually had to leave the party cause my mom gave me a few chances, but I didn’t pull myself together. Sorry spider costume, but you literally were a BUST. I’m still sad about our mishaps.

The reasons I go on and on about my wonderful third grade year is because my teacher was honestly THE BEST third grade teacher a gal could ask for. She was actually my teacher in Kindergarten too [She was finishing her teaching degree/co-teaching with my K teacher- something like that] My friendship with her has lasted throughout the years and her kids are a part of my family. She’s been at so many of my dance shows, volleyball games, school events- my college graduation and now her daughter is moving to go to college here too! My life has been extremely influenced by the love, lessons, and laughter she has brought into my life. I am thankful that she loves teaching. That she puts up with the politics, the less than stellar paycheck, the red tape of our school system and all the other barriers that could ware a teacher down, but pushes through and loves her students. She’s not the type of teacher who just gets by. She goes above and beyond, creates opportunities for students to learn more, and love their time in and outside the classroom. And gosh, these students are LUCKY to spend so much time with her. When she’s not in the classroom you can find her on the stage [she's quite the actress] cheering on her baby boy at his soccer games or support her sassy daughter at her MUN competitions. She’s a great friend to my momma and I love when our families spend time together! I thought about including how much I love her in my recent list of 35 things I’m thankful for, but honestly I could write 35 just about her! And that would ‘t really be fair to my other friends/family, and you know Dr. Pepper. I could fill pages with all the ways she has made me laugh and I know so many of my classmates who would stand beside me and share the hilarious memories they have from time spent with her. Her only fault is that I accredit my lack of knowledge regarding Rosa Parks’ death to her faulty classroom antics. So for today I just wanted to share a little love. A little appreciation for one of the teachers that made getting picked on a little bit better. Someone who cared about me and treated little third grade me like the adult I wanted to be. Hopefully you had many teachers like Mrs. B, but if not- know you were truly missing out on a year of complete fabulousness.

Thankful for so many of my teachers growing up, and for all my friends who are currently teachers! You all have such an important job- spending more time than most with our friends who will grow up to take over our roles one day. LOVE to you all and Happy Teachers Appreciation Day!

XOXO,
AG

My sweet Momma and Mrs. B
(In costume for a performance- she doesn’t wear that to school. At least not every day.)

Thirty-Two Things.

alyssagill — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:36:40 +0000

It’s already been six years since the shooting at Virginia Tech. It’s crazy to think that much time as gone by- I often don’t even stop to remember how good my precious life is. But then days like yesterday awaken your senses and remind you how far our world still has to go. I’m so thankful that my friends and family are safe after yesterday’s tragedies, but I know many people are hurting. I’m thankful for a God who is bigger than all of this and that even in the hurt and pain of this world I don’t have to comprehend what is going on. Sending big prayers to everyone involved.

source

In honor of the 32 lives taken in Blacksburg six years ago, many bloggers are remembering 32 things they are thankful for. So many things I’m thankful for and they’re listed below:

1. A family who supports my decisions and all the adventures I take on and pursue on various days.

2. My sister who is my oldest friend, fashion consultant, and keeps me laughing on a daily basis.

3. A job I love that is full of collaboration, students, fun, and an administration that works hard to support its students!

4. Roommates who make going home at night a wonderful thing.

5. My HLP, Jamie, who keeps me sane and pointed in the right direction & is pretty much my favorite person ever

6. Hot water, a house to sleep in, a car to drive- things I take for granted every day!

7. A boyfriend who is my best friend and challenges me daily Gosh, he’s pretty great.

8. Neems, who wakes me up too early- but brings laughter and joy into my day.

9. That I received a wonderful education.

10. Starbucks.

11. Young Life.

12. Young Life, I have to say it again because it’s been THAT influential in my life.

13. Allison, who let’s me talk myself in circles and then helps me sort my life out.

14. Nail polish [yea, it makes me happy so I'm thankful for it.]

15. My Mom- who gets excited about everything in my life! And doesn’t mind that I call her every day.

16. For technology and they way it can help save lives. [and find friends who were running the marathon!]

17. For the talent I have of using my hair straightener to iron my clothes while wearing them.

18. For the sunshine and gorgeous florida weather.

19. for the opportunity to travel.

20. For my sweet tallahassee friends. [BB, JT, BN, AK, KD, AS & so many others!]

21. sleepovers

22. Jesus & the cross. [obviously this would be first if this list was ranked on importance- but its not]

23. Chipotle. And the staff there that knows my order by heart.

24. Target. and the hours I’ve spent their with friends.

25. My co-workers.

26. laughter and smiles

27. Fresh flowers.

28. Football Season.

29. Unlimited access to books, and the ability to read.

30. LB- and her sweet friendship from the time we were itty bitty girls until now.

31. Dr. Pepper.

32. God’s grace.

Life is sweet and it’s so nice to remember how much we have to be thankful for!

XOXO,

Gym Rat.

alyssagill — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:57:17 +0000

Something I will never be. The only way those two words would ever be used together, in a sentence to describe me would be to say”AG saw a rat in the gym the other day.” I’d probably be in the gym because I was walking by the outside and saw someone faint [inevitably from seeing the rat] and then I ran in to try and revive them. You know what I mean??

I wish I loved going to the gym. But I don’t. The whole buy a membership so you go and don’t waste money. Not motivating. I’d rather skip eating a meal to justify not spending more money since I’m paying for a gym I don’t attend. And then I’m still losing weight. WIN WIN. JK… kinda.

I just get BORED. So so bored. I like running- for like 15 minutes. Then I’m bored. My gym [well the one I used to pay for] is really pretty- lots of fun colors. There’s quirky people and machines. It’s like a people watching paradise. You’d think I could commit. BORED. And besides- I can never justify the time spent going to the gym. I mean feeling good, looking better, living longer- all REALLY GOOD consequences of some quality gym time. But since I am inevitably looking for immediate results. I lose interest. I go with people. I go by myself. Morning, afternoon, night. Tried everything. I hate it.

I’m more of a yoga/Zumba class going, cardio class loving gal. Keeps me excited, interested, moving. Good Stuff. But whoever plans these classes apparently has never thought to include them for people with busy schedules. Who work full time jobs. The classes are always at 10 or 11 am [I'm working] or 5/5:30 pm. Still working. Every once in a while I find a 5:30 class that I could possible get to if I leave EXACTLY at 5:00pm run to my car, cut off any students trying to leave campus, pray session hasn’t ended early at the Capitol and run a few red lights. I remember leaving my office at 5:00pm once. On my first day or something.

But goodness I think about working out a lot. If I actually got fit from thinking about really working out, I’d pretty much be in the best shape of my life. More so than when I was dancing 75 hours a week.

So instead I try to stay healthy other ways. a] Drink a crap load of water. I used to hate water. [apparently this post is going to make me sound like a lazy bum who hates good things.] Anyway- I thought water was disgusting. I never drank it. Then one day I realized I probably should. So I forced myself- and now I love it. I actually CRAVE water [sometimes] which I never thought would happen. I try to drink 32oz of water in the morning before anything else. For the first week- I felt like I was drowning. Now, I wake up wanting it. Makes me feel so much better the rest of the day. I also got the whole three meals idea out of my head. It would be lunch time so I’d eat lunch- even though I wasn’t hungry. I was probably just bored. When I am active and not thinking about food- I only eat when I’m hungry- so much better! I ALWAYS have water at my desk. I drink it all day long. [I pee a lot y'all] but it keeps me from snacking on unhealthy things, and makes me feel fuller. So WATER! It’s the bees knees.

b] I make normal tasks into “healthy” tasks. I wear heels to work every day. I’m just that kind of girl. I also don’t have a normal desk job- so I walk a lot. and I ALWAYS take the stairs. I work on the third floor- or a pretty fancy building, so we have spiral staircases- so if we are honest, it’s like walking up 5 flights of stairs. Its actually harder to get to the elevator .. you have to walk down a flight of stairs to get to the elevator to go up to the third floor. So it isn’t really even tempting. But even when I’m heading across campus to meetings [i walk] and I try to always take the stairs. Then I can justify drinking that Starbucks all day ‘err day

c] I stretch and do abs in my room every morning and night. Poor Kels- who knows what it sounds like downstairs in her room beneath me. I have a pretty intricate morning ritual- complete with some downward dog and jumping jacks action. I feel like I have a pretty great routine. I could use some more cardio [maybe I should sprint to my meetings] but everything else seems to be working well. And I eat pretty healthy and the Dr. always says I’m healthy [which reinforces me choosing to eat Chick Fil A on a weekly basis] So I’m feeling good.

But I have a goal for the Fall. A newly inspired, maybe I’ll like the gym [probably not] way to make sure I get in a few weekly workouts. I’ll get back to you on things later this year. And if you never hear from me on the subject- safe to assume it was a REALLY great idea, with a less than stellar implementation.

Enjoy your weekend friends!

XOXO,

“Spring is the time of plans and projects.”

alyssagill — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:38:24 +0000

A quote from Leo Tolstoy (Anna Karenina) and goodness do I agree! Springtime gets me in this creative mood of new beginnings and refreshes my soul. It’s like a breath of fresh air. (Minus the fact that my spring time breathes are always spoiled by the abundant amounts of pollen that I suck in. Then I start coughing, sneezing, getting the itchy eyes. So lets pretend this breathe of fresh air is a non pollinated one!)

I am, as mentioned many times before, a habitual list maker. I make a To Do list every day. Multiple times a day! And I feel greatly satisfied when I’m able to cross items of my list. I’m totally the person who adds things I’ve done to my list just so I can check them off. I like to have a visual representation of where my time was spent that day. It helps me stay in check! So in January, the start of the new year I am ALL ABOUT list making, goal setting, dreaming up what the new year will look like. It just gets me excited for a new year. a new plan. I just get excited about a lot of things y’all! But goodness, if you had asked me to give a little insight into what this year would look like- I would have been WAAAAY off. We are only 4 months in and my world has been turned upside down. In completely good ways I might add. But it is causing me to be so very patient. And trusting. And to honestly believe the words I know to be true. That God has a plan, the best plan imaginable… I pray my words, actions, and thoughts reflect him always and glorify him the best way possible. I’m thankful he has things figured out and little ole me only has to trust, and know that He is God. On that note, I’m including a few things that are keeping me in the SPRING SPIRIT!

A BEAUTIFULLY written blog post. Gosh, I just love the truth in this.

This totally adorable linen dress.

and this dress too!

Super cute spring print!

Mason Jars.

This scalloped beauty of a dress.

Prints about the South.

Red Front Doors.

A good book to read in your hammock.

Gorgeous succulents.

Enjoy the beginnings of spring y’all!
I know I am

XOXO,
ag

Monday, Monday… and a little 101 Update!

alyssagill — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:46:36 +0000

Y’all I love me some Mondays! Me and probably less than 1% of the world. I just feel so productive on Mondays and excited for the week! By Friday I’m usually dreaming of the beach, being able to spend time in my hammock, or getting to hang with my friends so it’s hard to be as excited for my job [which I love] when all those fun possibilities are staring me down! Anyway, I’ve realized I haven’t updated my 101 list in FOREVER and I only have about 6 months left!! Crazy how time flies. Hopefully your Monday mornings are filled with lots of happiness & productivity!!!

Things I’ve learned about my 101 lists. a] I LOVE this list. I’m surprised with everything I’ve accomplished! b] While the goal is to try and complete everything… some items are really a stretch and my not happen and that’s totally ok!! c] My goals change. When I started this list 26 months ago some things I thought were important- less important now… also ok! d] Definitely making another list starting January 2014! [[These lists take some time to dream up, so start creating a list now if you want to join in!!]]

START: January 1, 2011 END: September 28, 2013

The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks/goals/challenges in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (i.e. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and represent “stretching.”

Why 1001 Days?
It’s all about a realistic deadline. 1001 days (about 2.75 years) allows you several seasons to complete tasks, which is better for organizing and timing things like overseas trips or outdoor activities.

Italicized- in the process of being completed

~~strikethrough- means completed~~

WORK IT
1. Do the morning boot camp workout [so early!!!!] at least one session of it [0/1]
2. drink only water for a week for 3 weeks [doesn't have to be consecutive] [2/3]
~~3. Take my vitamins everyday for a month~~
~~4. Lose some LBs~~
~~5. run a 5k [I ran a 1/2 marathon so I'm counting that instead!]~~
6. work out every day for a month [is it okay is i've decided this one is stupid, lol. jk I'll make it happen!]
~~7. walk to my mailbox [instead of stopping on my drive by] for one month~~
8. take a karate class and be one step closer to being Sydney Bristow- Yup- no desire to do this… I’ll take my zumba/yoga/running workouts instead!
EDUCATE!
9. read 5 biographies/autobiographies of people I admire [2/5]
10. read 10 classics [1/10] *Jane Eyre
11. get a second masters degree- Also not going to happen. I was taking classes for this, but I have a new plan now!
12. read 100 books [29/100] *Jane Eyre, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, Girl Who Played With Fire, Girl who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, Room, The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mocking Jay, Matched, Crossed, Reached, Gone, Call me Irresistible, Fear, MWF seeking BFF, True Believer, Love Does, The Giver, Safe Haven, The Sky is Everywhere, Avoiding Responsibility, Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes, 50SOG,
~~13. Re read a book from high school that was required in an English class~~ The Giver
TALLAHASSEE
~~14. Eat at 5 new restaurants in Tallahassee [5/5]~~ *Wine Loft, Fuzions, Coosh’s, Sahara, Crape Vine
~~15. Eat at 5 new restaurants outside Tallahassee [5/5]~~ *Schooners [panama city beach], First Watch [orlando], Wildhorse Saloon + Paradise Park Trailer Resort [nashville], KeKe’s Breakfast Cafe
16. do 20 things I haven’t done off this list 100 things to do in tallahassee
TRAVEL
17. go to Europe
18. go to Alaska
~~19. go to NYC~~ again
20. go to a state I’ve never been to
~~21. go on a spontaneous trip~~
22. go skiing
~~23. see [another] broadway show [on broadway]~~ Saw Sister Act + Book of Mormon!
24. visit 5 museums I’ve never been to [0/5]
25. go wine tasting in Napa Valley
FOOD
26. take a cooking class
27. go on a picnic
28. don’t eat out for two weeks
29. try ten foods I’ve never had [1/10] *Oysters,
30. start compiling all my fav recipes + create an organized way of viewing them
~~31. cook three meals a week at home for a month~~
~~32. Learn to make crème brûlée~~ Thanks to my mom I received a torch set for my birthday My first round was okay… but my second set was Delish!
33. go apple picking
JESUS woo!
~~34. pray for a different country every week~~
35. Read the whole bible [chronologically]- I also don’t like this goal anymore…. So I’m just reading my Bible.
~~36. Memorize a verse every week for three months~~
~~37. invite + bring five high school gals to summer yl camp~~ Went to Sharp Top Cove in August!
GOING GREEN
~~38. support [shop] three local businesses every month for 5 months~~
~~39. only use reusable bags for 6 months~~
BUSINESS SKILLS
40. back up my computer at least once a month [10/33]
~~41. get my website up and running~~
~~42. enhance my website skills~~
~~43. learn new photography tips + tricks~~ Definitely improved a few skills! But I can always learn more, so technically this could be an in process one too.
44. attend a MTH seminar
~~45. write a business plan~~
~~46. unsubscribe to all the websites I no longer read the emails from~~ Best Day Ever! I could probably do this again in a few months.
47. Shoot pictures in the rain
~~48. improve my illustrator skills~~
~~49. design a line a print/paper products [[stationary, postcards, etc]]- coming with my new website!~~
MOVIES
50. watch the lord of the rings movies [0/3]
~~51. watch season 1 of LOST [maybe the rest if I get hooked]~~ Currently on Season 2, and definitely HOOKED!
52. watch all the movies in my house that I’ve never seen [there’ quite a few, my roomie is ak]
53. make Allison watch Casablanca, I currently own Casablanca now- so we are getting closer!
CRAFTY CHICK
~~54. make a list of everyone I want to send a bday card to in 2011, make and send them!~~
~~55. re decorate my bedroom~~
56. start to make a t shirt quilt w/ my YL shirts
57. create [at least] 4 photobooks with pics from the past 5 years [0/4]
58. make a coffee table book filled w/ original pics
59. when I say “I could make that for cheaper” do it!! [3 different times] [1/3] *pillow
60. paint 4 new pictures [0/4]
~~61. send handmade Christmas cards~~
MONEY MATTERS
62. pay off ¼ of my student loans
63. stay debt free [minus my student loans] for all of these 1001 days
~~64. go one week without spending any money~~
SPLURGE
65. go to a spa for the day with my bffs
66. buy a bookshelf [[a large ikea like one]]
~~67. buy a new car~~
~~68. get a massage~~
~~69. splurge on a dress that makes me feel fabulous~~
~~70. take a day off for no apparent reason~~
~~71. Learn how to put on makeup [mostly eye shadow] from a professional~~
TO DO
~~72. get my own library card [[instead of using jamies]]~~
~~73. go on a date~~
~~74. make a list of top ten jobs I would love to have~~
~~75. meet 5 new friends who are in the same stage of life as me~~
76. make a “bucket list”
~~77. frame my diplomas~~
~~78. learn a new skill- I learned how to make creme brûlée, also learned new design tricks!~~
LOVE myself + others
~~79. identify 25 things I love about myself~~
~~80. identify 10 things I dislike about myself + change them~~
~~81. smile at every person I see for a week~~
82. Give a 100% tip
83. Do an anonymous favor
~~84. volunteer somewhere [besides YL]~~
85. send cds with my fav songs [at the time] to random friends
86. have a girls weekend with my friends from high school
87. Send someone flowers for no reason!
88. Write a letter to myself to open in 10 years
89. don’t say anything sarcastic for an entire week
RANDOM
90. write a hand written letter once a month
91. be jamies roommate again [she suggested this one]
~~92. go to 4 concerts~~ [4/4] Montgomery Gentry [Nashville] Luke Bryan [Valdosta] Sugarland [Tally] Miranda Lambert [Tally]
~~93. Go to the opera or ballet~~ Went to Rock the Diamond!
94. Go camping [at least 2 times] [0/2]
95. Go ballroom dancing
~~96. Watch the sunrise and sunset in one day~~
97. buy a newspaper every Sunday for six months- another one that I’m not digging anymore
~~98. play a favorite game from my youth~~- kickball
101 in 1001
99. blog about my 101 experiences
100. donate $2 for every goal not completed to Church
101. make a new 101 in 1001 list!

A Pep Talk From Kid President.

alyssagill — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 16:49:27 +0000

You’ve probably already seen this video. It’s been floating through the internets for the past few days, but I couldn’t not post it. It’s that good. This kid might be the cutest little guy ever.

A few more obsessions of mine lately….

THIS movie.

Day planners. This Martha one and this Lily one are my current favs. {Yes, yes. I have TWO agendas/day calendars. If you saw my mind you’d understand the need for two. They help me stay organized.]

I want to make and eat a lot of these delish green beans!

I’m in love with pottery barn’s new blog.

I love witty valentine’s day cards.

and I think I’d love to eat this for breakfast every morning. Yum!

Ok, all for now! Happy Tuesday Y’all!

XOXO,
AG

Valentine’s Day.

alyssagill — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 13:04:23 +0000

Are you a fan of this holiday? I am a fan of the movie with this title. I’m actually a fan of any movie that has multiple story lines going on at once. I feel like it is a movie based on how my mind works in real life.

So yeah, valentines Day Pros: On February 15th there is super cheap candy, People spend outrageous amounts of money on flowers [which supports my family, which makes me happy] It’s nice to feel loved, you can decorate your house with cute things, I like pink, I like flowers, I like thinking of witty valentines day card sayings

Cons: My family works late nights. Shout out to you KG- enjoy those last minute boyfriends/hubbys coming in to buy some flowers!! You cannot go to a restaurant with your friends unless you want to sit REALLY close to a million other people on awkward dates or spend too much money, I don’t like this much pink, conversation hearts taste like chalk mixed with cement and are stamped with ridiculous sayings, I’m sure there are more- but you get the idea.

So, my take on the holiday: I like feeling loved and letting others know they are loved. But, I do not see a reason in going all crazy over the day. Let’s show the love all year round. Maybe a sweet note, or homemade meal- that’s all I need. Oh, and gummy bears. Duh- I can ALWAYS enjoy some gummy bears. I don’t like chocolate [WHAT??] I know. eh. Not a fan. And I also think whoever created those disgusting conversation hearts should have to pay me for all those years people gave them to me thinking I should eat them. I can for sure use them as chalk on my board, but that’s about it. Seriously. ew. They are on the same level of disgustingness as circus peanuts. Again- WHO SELLS THESE GROSS CANDIES?!?!! Actually, I’m sorry. Whoever invented these things are GENIUSES. I don’t know how you convinced people to eat these nasty concoctions. But now you’re probably making millions off of us. I’m going to start thinking through a really gross candy that can become a staple for St. Patrick’s Day or something. Ya know? Maybe like corned beef hash chocolate coins or something?? Step aside regular chocolate coins. I’m coming for ya. Let’s just agree that corned beef coins and the new St. Patty’s Day candies. Thanks. Maybe, President’s Day- Candy Constitutions, that taste like actual paper! Feel free to place your order now.

OK- enough about candy that shouldn’t be sold. Just kidding- one more thing. So you think someone is actually still producing circus peanuts?? They are in all the gas stations, but I don’t know anyone who buys them?? So maybe someone just made a whole heck of a lot of them many many years ago and since they obviously taste the same today as they did when they were first created they are just hoping that one day enough of them sell to break even. Maybe we should all buy some circus peanuts and give them to our friends this valentines day?? Just to help a brother out, you know what I mean?

Really, I’m going to let this candy thing go now… Flowers. I love me some peonies if you’re wondering. They aren’t really in season right now so don’t worry about it. Also- peonies seem to be like the cool new flower to love! Y’all they’ve been here for a while [ever]. But I think pinterest is giving them some new life. Also, I like my flowers in the form of cash. I mean maybe send a picture of the flowers you could have purchased me, along with the cash so I could buy some coffee or something. Even better, flowers in the form of Starbucks gift cards. Seriously y’all I’ve got a good thing going here. Ok, ok- enough about ~~cheesy~~ Valentines Day gifts. Really the thought of V-Day coming meant I could design some fun new FB cover photos and iPhone/iPad background pics.I tried to add a new downloads page [still working on the logistics of it... but a few are posted!] I’ll try to make it more user friendly real soon y’all!

XOXO,
AG

[photo source]

I <3 Mondays.

alyssagill — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 01:45:32 +0000

Just a few things I’m loving this lovely Monday.

Young Life. If you aren’t familiar with Young Life know that I LOVE YL. I have a passion for this ministry and love being a part of it. A few weekends ago we took our college friends [current leaders & potential new ones!] to Southwind for a kickoff to the semester! It was a blast.

My new cookbook from The Smitten Kitchen Blog. I received this as a Christmas gift and I am so excited to make something from it!! I think I’ve read all the recipes 2 or 3 times now, so it just comes down to finding an evening to create something delish. I did make this “Tomato Pie” recipe from smitten kitchen the other night. YUM.

This AMAZING series of photographs by Francois Brunelle called I’m Not a Look-Alike. He captured 200 photos of people who look like identical twins but aren’ even RELATED. Say what??? So cool.

TV shows I’m obsessed with: SCANDAL [if you don't watch this start RIGHT. NOW.] super obsessed with that one. Also- cannot wait for SMASH to come back on!

Love Does. A book by Bob Goff. It is a LOVELY read. Bob Goff might be the radest person around. [That's right. RAD-EST]

I want to be drinking my coffee from this cup every morning.

These wedding gowns are GORGEOUS. simply amazing.

I think this would be a SUPER CUTE addition to our house Now just to think through what word I’d use….

Also- this song is my JAM. enjoy!

Happy Monday y’all!

XOXO,
AG

Will you accept this rose?

alyssagill — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 01:17:47 +0000

The Bachelor.

Do y’all watch it? I must say it is quite ridiculous. Seriously, if anyone thinks they are for reals finding love on that show. They crazy. I’ve actually never watched the show. Until now. I decide to make this Bachelor watching an EVENT. If you know me, you’ll know that I like making an affair out of things. I like to plan some events. So we are having an official FANTASY LEAGUE Bachelor event. It makes watching this horrendous show pretty spectacular. So now every week we all get together and watch this show. I’m not going to lie- screaming at the TV definitely occurs. We have team names, we smack talk, and we cheer on the girls on our team like they are our besties. We are quite a scene. And I love it! My team is [~~was~~] ~~Diana~~, ~~Katie~~, Catherine, Tierra, AshLee & Selma. Feel free to cheer my team on! There’s a chick from my alma mater on this show. I can’t really fathom every knowing one of my good friends being on a show like this. It would definitely be quite an experience!

I’ve seen some of this week’s previews y’all and it looks CRA-ZAY. Apparently Sean is “digging” a lot of the women already. Who would have THUNK it?!?!? oh Lord.

So that’s how it goes- we cheer for these crazy girls. And we go crazy when our team advances! Happy Bachelorin’ Y’all!

My two [personal] favs- AshLee and Catherine

XOXO,
AG

Sea Salt.

alyssagill — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 13:30:28 +0000

I do not know who first thought to add sea salt to desserts. But they are a freakin genius. Seriously- add it to almost anything and BAM. amazingness. This may or may not be a tainted view due to the fact that I am eating salted caramel brownies for breakfast. Don’t judge me. I like to tell myself that if I eat sweets for breakfast I crave them less throughout the day. I have NO idea if that is true, but makes me feel better about my self. Besides I didn’t have time to eat real breakfast and the brownies were just sitting on my counter looking at me. So what’s a girl to do. RIGHT?

*Salted Caramel Brownies (the easy way) make a box of brownies…go for the ones with extra chocolate chunks or fudge. YUM. Bake as directed on box. Let cool. Cut into squares. Drizzle caramel over them [I use the smuckers ice cream topping kind.] Then sprinkle sea salt on them. HEAVENLY. Feel free to tell people you spent hours in the kitchen creating these masterpieces.

Moving on.

This always happens. I start hating my room. or house. or some sort of space where I spend a lot of time. [[Don't get me started on the office I've had for over a year and have yet to decorate.]] I would definitely say I’m artistic. I think I have a bit of style (undecided if it’s good style) and I think my attention to detail is usually what can pull a project together. Give me a wedding reception and I can make your dreams come true. But my house. Lord almighty. This girl is not an interior designer. So of course, yesterday thoughts of how I could not possible stand the way my room was configured creeped in and would not leave. I obviously could not live another second in this room which was so poorly designed. (This is how it happens for me y’all. I get an idea in my mind and then I want it to happen RIGHT! THEN! I don’t know how many times I’ve gone to Walmart at 2am because I decided I needed to do a project immediately.) So my room- goodness, how was I possible sleeping here for these past 6 months. It was abysmal. [[Dramatic much?]] Usually, I just start rearranging crap. But I wasn’t home when this notion hit so I drew out some ideas. That didn’t help much. I drew a really beautiful room- furnished with items I do not own. Not. Helpful. Anyway- so while getting pedicures KD and I discussed the future state of my darling bedroom. And then I enlisted in her help moving furniture. (With a few stops to pick up AK from the airport, YAY! and to obviously watch SCANDAL- #HolyFitz I love that show) Luckily, I was able to move 4 pieces of furniture and feel good about my life. I’m sure in a few ~~days~~ months I’ll need some new inspiration, but hopefully I can just paint a picture or something and be done. So until the wee hours of the morning I was rearranging and re designing my space. And now it feels homy. And wonderful. Goodness I love when things feel like they are in their place. Makes a girl happy.

So it’s friday, and I’m feeling good cause my house is happy and salted caramel brownies are gracing my stomach. Y’all it’s the good life! Hope your Fridays are lovely too

XOXO,
AG