Day 7 of the christmas challenge

Today's topic is favorite DIY Holiday craft

I'm going to be honest I'm as good at crafting as I am an cooking. And if you know me you know that turning on the stove is an adventure for me. (for those of you think I am exaggerating I am not) haha. I do however dream of being as crafty and domestic as one Miss Martha Stewart. (Stop laughing it could happen) It will happen and when it does you can call Stewart ...Aly Stewart:))))

Ok I'll stopping trying to crack a joke and show you my favorite holiday DIY project...Drumroll Please


A pre baked ginger bread house!!! All you have to do is assemble and decorate!! Ok I say easy but I have screwed it up before...I told you I was crafty HAR HAR

I've always loved doing this!! My Gege was the only who ever had the patience to make em with me. My Dad didn't like cause it messy (he still doesn't) but hey its all about making memories right.

So now you know my fave project haha! If you'd like to see REAL DIY projects go to Annie's blog to see her awesome wreath and Aly's blog to see her amazing decorating project

Tomorrow I'll catchin up on outfits for the 30 for 30 so come back!!! (pretty please)

Playing Catch up on the 12 days of christmas challenge

Love What a hat can do on a messy hair day!! Don't you?

Went shopping for an hour today and let me just ask you is 20 the new 80? Cause let me tell you this little is Pooped with a capital P. I think christmas shopping is gonna be done online this year. A click of my heels (ok a mouse) and there is a gift in my mailbox. Hello perfection.


One: Christmas Holiday Traditions

Growing up an only child christmas totally revolved around me (I know I am lucky) My grandparents (Nana and Poppy & Gege) would come christmas eve and we would play lots of christmas music a la bing crosby and my grandfather who tried and sing like he was Bing himself. I loved it! I would leave out cookies for Santa and we would watch The Santa Clause. I would try and go to bed extra earlier because I thought the sooner I got to bed the faster the big would arrive.

I would wake up between 3 and 5 in the morning (the fam was really happy about this...not) we would all open our gifts and then everyone would go back to bed for a cat nap. Then everyone would wake up and have a nice breakfast and then we would just hang out and check out our gifts while my mom made dinner.

Things have kind of changed in the last few years. My grandparents have all passed away so now we got to me great aunt and uncles for christmas dinner (Uncle A is 94 so this is probably the last xmas with him) and on christmas eve my godmother comes to our house and sleeps over. Last year was strange and fast because I had just gotten out of the hospital the week before and it was the first year with just me and parents. We didn't really have time to go out and get many gifts because I wasn't well. So hopefully this year will be a bit more special!

I kind of can't wait to see what the future and to start even more traditions. I am HUGE on the holidays so who knows what could happen. I can't wait to go crazy decorating my own place, hopefully do some charity work and I can't wait to learn to cook and make a big meal for the ones I love and anyone else who wants to come:)))

Two: Black Friday/ General shopping tricks and tips

We don't have black friday but my goodness do I wish we did

MY NUMBER 1 TIP IS......BE NICE TO YOUR FELLOW SHOPPERS!!!! I know I know we all want a good deal but that does not mean we need to jeopardize our ability to be kind to one another. I cannot even begin to tell you how many dirty looks I get during this busy season. People DO NOT want a disabled person moving slowly in front of them or blocking up the aisle while picking up something. So show a little love

I've found that alot of stores put there new arrival items on sale after 2 weeks give or take. So if there is something your not quite sure of or think is too expensive keep your eye on it and have a little patience. It will go on sale.

If you find an item in a store that you really like but its a bit too pricey..find out the style name of it and search for it online before you buy. You can usually find a coupon code that you couldn't get in the store.

BE Aware of the return policy! I don't about any of you but I hate trying things on in a store. So I usually like to bring in home to try it on. Some stores don't allow money back they just allow exchanges or store credit. If its not a store you usually shop in and its a one off purchase..you don't wanna get stuck with a store credit for a store you don't like

Befriend the manager. This may sound weird but I befriended the manager in a store I like sheerly by accident and it ended up being a bonus. She knew I didn't like going into changing rooms so she would bend the rules and let me bring it home to try it on and I would be able to get my money back. She'd tell me about the quality of some of the clothes and be like my own little shopper in the store

Eat before going to the mall. It will save you money

Wear an outfit that is easy to get on and off is you plan on trying things on. Wear shoes that you can get off quickly if you see a pair you die for. It just makes sense


Three: Most meaningful/Best gift you've received

you know what to tell you the truth I have pretty much loved and felt so grateful for everything I've been given. Ok maybe there was one time I wasn't so happy. When I met this guy who was the son of a coach at my high school and the next day his dad brought me an autographed photo of him snowboarding. I had to be polite and say thanks but when he left I died laughing and tossed it in the trash.

sorry i got a little sidetracked...

The one gift that did mean alot was when my Gege died (he was not my "real" grandfather he was my grandma's boyfriend for 20yrs before she died. didnt know my moms dad til i was older) He died very young and unexpectedly .
brothers and sister told me that he told them he wanted anything he had to go to me. You see he lived in his parents so when he passed his siblings sold the house and split the money between the 5 of them and his share went to me. I couldn't care less about the money its the mere fact that he wanted it to go to me. I loved him more than life and it was just so special. He really didn't have a lot and my mom said that when he found out he could leave something to me he was so happy and proud. he thought his share would just be split umongst his siblings but they said no you can give it to whoever you want.

Runner up; An emerald ring (my birthstone) my nana and poppy gave me when I was eight to signify me becoming a lady.

Four: Tips and Tricks to a budget friendly holiday season

1. Stock up on Christmas cards and wrapping paper AFTER christmas. Its the perfect time to get ready for the following year because they go on sale majorly.

2. If there are things that you want or need that you didn't get for xmas go looking a couple days after christmas. Stores need to get rid of there stock for the new season and there is almost always big sales.

3, Hold on to receipts! you never know when you'll need to return something!

4. Set a budget.

5. Bake goods make people just as happy. Ask Martha Stewart.

Five: Favorite Movies and Holiday Specials

I am probably am a big dork but I love watching Eloise at the Plaza Christmas something or other. She is too cute and everything is PINK. Love it


I also really love

The Grinch Who Stole Christmas


A christmas Carol


The Santa Clause
http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:7EThfYVGAOaJmM:http://www.leawo.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/the-santa-clause.jpg&t=1

ELF



Winnie the Pooh and Christmas too


Day 6: WishList

I am so excited for this because I have no idea what I want so to see everyone else's might give me some ideas.

I would mind getting this baby...



Some fashion books and clothes

Side note: I've had my eye on a wii and a kindle but I don't know if I would use it as much as I think

A little bit of this, a little bit of that

My Mom looking at my outfit "I am really your doing this 30 for 30 thing whatever it is. Cause seriously I thinking you were losing it a bit. Pjamas EVERYDAY or sweatpants on a really good day in public. I mean C'mon you can run into people you know?" LOL Thanks Mom...I think!

Today's outfit was brought to you by the like of Mrs. Sydney P. from The Daybook. If you haven't checked out her blog yet you must because she is really FAB-U-LOUS. She's got great style, is cute as a button and just a ton of fun. I think I am borderlining stalker territory...I don't know how many times I check her site all I know is the number is probably to high.

In one of her out posts awhile ago she belted her scarf and I thought it was totally cute so today when I was getting this is what happened and I think it turned out pretty good if I do say so myself! Thanks Syd!

Totally Random but ...

1. My day started off so good thanks to Star 92.9 FM Burlington for begining to play christmas music! I woke up to "It's beginning to look a lot like christmas" and it made me all warm and fuzzy

2. Did anyone what Glee? Omg I was BAWLING like a baby! (hold me!) Such a good episode. Loved when Finn sang to Kurt. It was so nice because I think it really showed people that it doesn't matter whether someone is gay or straight, black or white, human or alien we can all be friends and love on another.

3. Dancing With The Stars Finale. Omg I'm not gonna lie I thought it was a little too long lol. I guess Jennifer deserved to win but I really didn't like her. She just seemed like a pain in the butt! I really wanted Kyle to one because I'm not gonna lie I have a bit of crush on his cutie putie self haha. Christina Aguilera was fab I can't wait to see Burlesque. And last but CERTAINLY NOT LEAST I wish The Situation would put his situation away. Seriously why is this guy on TV?!?

peace out

I didn't steal your boyfriend...just his jeans!

Holy! I wish I could celebrate American Thanksgiving too. Any excuse for a celebration that includes lots of food!

I am a jeans girl. I love em! I think they are the greatest thing since sliced bread. Growing up I couldn't really wear jeans because I couldn't do the buttons up on them. I have a weak bladder and I didn't get meds for it til I was fifteen so I needed something with easy access if you know what I mean and my hand coordination was not all that good. It was almost impossible to find a pair that didn't have button but also didn't look like a belonged in a retirement community. When I did find that pair I held on to em for dear life and wore them at least 3 days of the 5 day school. I was stuck most wearing sporty clothes which was and is quite ironic because I hate sports and do not have an athletic bone in my body. I'd look around at other girls around me and think "Damn you and your nice jeans" And then one day I don't know what happened but I suddenly was able to do them up. Hurray! *Its ok you can hold the applause* And I've never look back since.

As you can see from my recent outfits I am totally love the boyfriend jean right now. I just think their is something so sexy to them. To me they are like the equivalent of wearing your guys shirt and nothing else. Also they are super duper comfy. I feel very Rachel Bilson when I wear em but don't get me wrong my Skinnies will always be numero uno in this girls heart.

I have one problem when it comes to my jeans....I have yet to find the perfect pair that makes me feel good, fits and makes the boys go WOAH! I feel like I've always got plumber joe crack going on in the back or a love little muffin top in front. (who's with me?) size 1 is almost always too small and 3 is almost always too big. I find 2 so hard to find and even when I do they are not always the perfect. I am still searching and praying for the day I find that magic pair and when I do I will buy multiples!!!

Anyone else share the butt crack or muffin top problem? Who makes you perfect pair? ps. excuse the blurryness of the 2nd pic my Dad dropped my camera and now its a little on the fritz.

Where the heck have I been?

Hey guys! The most horrible blogger ever here. I thought I would let you know why I've totally fallen behind on the 30 for 30 challenge...I've got really bad cold (thanks Daddy what a nice gift) and have been out of bed in a few. I promise to back on monday in full swing and totally caught up? I have got all my outfits planned for the next week! I think sometime you just need a week where you live in your pjamas don't you think? To tide you over till monday I've posted my outfit from monday before it all went down hill

what do you guys have planned for the weekend? thanks for sticking with me! heart you all

Country Influenced

The CMA's influenced me a little more than I thought! This outfit made me feel very country.
I have to tell you this whole taking my photo everyday is beginning to bring some issues that I am not so crazy about. Have you every had a moment where you thought you were the cats meow lookin all fly to find out you've had toilet paper hanging out of panties for God knows how long? ( I am not talking from experience at all...) We'll that is how I feel every time I load these pictures onto my computer. I look at them and think OMG is that really what I look like? I wish someone would have told me.

I remember the first time it ever really occurred to me that I didn't look like everyone else. Of course I've always know I was different but I mean really felt it. I was in 6th grade and my "helper" decided to get a group of girls together and teach them a dance for the talent show. I was soo excited! Any opportunity to perform really anything in front of audience and I was there. We were doing the dance to JLO's love don't cost a thing and I remember we were practicing in the library during lunch. I looked over at the other girls and I realized that was keep up and quite frankly I didn't look as good as them either. There they were looking like cute little cheerleaders and then there was me Spaz McGee and all I could do was cry. I told my helper that I couldn't do it, I couldn't be in the dance.

I love clothes! I love fashion and I love style. I always have. Lately it feels like no matter what I what I put on it does look like it should because its on me. This might sound silly but I feel like when people look at me all you can see is cerebral palsy. From my bendy legs to my spastic body. I feel trapped..trapped in a sick body and trapped in a disabled body.

All that being said I want this to change. I want to look in the mirror, love what I see and love who I am. Maybe its time to start working hard on making my body as strong as it can be within its limits. Yes, I'm disabled but that doesn't get me off the hook of being healthy. This the only body I am going to have. My greatest instrument so I am going to have to learn to love it.

So I wanted to say to all my stunningly beautiful readers (YES THAT MEANS YOU) If you are feeling, have ever felt or are simple just having one of those days where you don't love yourself REMEMBER there is only one you and that in itself is beautiful. You are wonderful and strong woman. Anything you dream you can achieve. If all else fails email me and I will remind you of how beautiful you really are.

I've by no means gotten to the place I want to be but I will. I heard a great quote on One Tree Hill the other day (who said TV isn't education) "Happiness is not destination its a mood" So lets get in a happy mood!

love for leggings

Hello all my lovely friends! sorry about my absence these past few days. Its been pretty hectic to say the least. I went for the colonoscopy. Everything is fine! My colon is in tip top shape. Should I be happy bout this? Yes. Am I? No. I'm devastated!! This was the end of the line. My last chance, My last hope of getting a diagnosis. Crying is not something I do very often. Especially not in public but as the doctor said Alyssa, There are no problems to be found. I bursted into tears asking him what am I going to do now. I feel so sick every minute of everyday with no explainable reason for it so far. If this is what life is going to be like I don't want it...I procceed to blubber on about how I feel like a failure for being sick and that I am losing everything...school, volunteering, my social life, the future I am supposed to have. I worked so hard for everything I have and now I feel like I am watching it slip away. I don't know what I am going to do...I have no hope left..I have an appointment with internal medicine in december but really I don't where that will take me. Not only did all this gone go on but I got sick to my stomach multiple times afterwards and by abdomin has been so sore...fun I know

So for now all I have is my little old blog and my wonderful bloggy friends...OH AND ONE MORE THING...CLOTHES!! Thank goodness! Nothing like a pair of cozy legging to brighten up the day. (Side Note: Have you seen the new sequins legging they have out there? when the 30 day challenge is over) So I decided to wear em 2 days in a row. Fashion faux pas? maybe. Do I care? No I was comfy.

On another note did anyone what the CMA's last night? OMGeeee do I love me some country. I wish I was southern so I could say things like yall without have people look at me like an alien. A little southern girl twang wouldn't be so bad either. Forgive me I am getting side tracked. My girl Carrie Underwood was hosting it up with Brad Paisley if I do say so myself..and she was looking FAB-U-LOUS as usual! I loved her outfits and her hair so I thought I'd share pics with you guys. I wouldn't mind looking a quarter like her.










I think its safe to say I have a bit of a girl crush on Mrs. Carrie. lol I was also loving Rascal flatts song why wait and sugarland's performance of their song stuck like glue

Who says you can't mix patterns

No make up, oh so bendy legs, not so coiffed haired....welcome to day 1 of the 30 for 30 remix. I KNOW your all jealous right now! (OK stop laughing) My momma's reaction to this little number I put together "Your not allowed to wear stripes and flowers. Its just not done or at least thats what I've been told" Well Momma your little lady was always one to break some rules ...why stop now! I would have taken more photos but my camera died opps! All I have to say is thank god I am not a model for a living. (for many reasons)

Now onto bigger and better things!! I have a new design thanks to the lovely Miss Jenn at Munkinland designs and I have to say I am totally loving it! I hope you love it to. We're still in the proccess of getting thing up and running but so far so good<3

hope you're all having a marvelous! I have to say I am not looking forward to tomorrow...I'm going for a colonoscopy (EKKK!) Although I will be happy to get it over with cause today hasn't exactly been a party. Let's just say the prep work for this procedure is NOT may I repeat NOT FUN! All I have to say is I was a queen on the throne all day (TMI SORRY) Hopefully I can make going for a colonoscopy look fashionable. I can't wait to actually eat something! So fingers crossed that maybe tomorrow they will actually find out why I have been so sick for a year now.

wish me luck

30 for 30 remix challenge

I am sure you have all heard about Kendi from Kendi Everyday...if you haven't checked out her fashion blog You MUST! Kendi is an extra fabulous lady who has incredible style and a wicked sense of humor. Seriously after checking out her blog all you'll want to do is go shopping with her.

Not only is she fashion savvy but she's also budget friendly and she came up with the wonderful 30 for 30 remix challenge. Here's the explanation from kendi herself
Ok so... what is the 30 for 30?

The 30 for 30 is something I came up with in April to help me learn my way through my closet by remixing my clothes. So here is the basic premise, I take 30 items from my closet (shoes included) and mix them into 30 different outfits over about a month period.

So you want to try it out? Good for you. Here is how to do it.

1. Pick out 30 items from your closet. Shoes are included in the count, coats and accessories (i.e. tights, jewelry, hats, gloves, and so on are not.) I won't use a coat yet here in Texas, but you might in say Chicago so I don't want to penalize you for Mother Nature's wily ways.

2. Remix the 30 items into 30 or more outfits.

And that's it! Ok -- not totally.

3. No shopping for 30 days.

Eek! Why in the world would I add insult to injury? Well so that you'll learn to work with what you've got and you'll learn to appreciate it. Learning to shop your own closet will in turn help you learn to shop outside of your closet. When you have to get creative with your wardrobe you discover other ways to wear a shirt or skirt, that you might not have thought of. Or you might just discover that you really like a certain type of skirt or that you gravitate towards a certain type of jacket, etc.

So I 've decide to take on the challenge!!! and I am really excited. Here are my 30 items!








5 pairs of shoes
4 pants
2 skirts
2 Jackets/blazers
12 tops (1 not pictured..in the laundry)
3 cardigans

So get ready tomorrow for day 1 and some other exciting things:)

Some More blog Challenge:Day 22-25

Day 22: Favorite City

Honestly I have no idea. I really have loved everywhere I have been so far except Jamaica (but I think I didn't like where we stayed) Although I do have to say I love going to the states because there are the best deals and such great shopping! I love burlington vermont such a cozy town and people are really nice! Can't wait to do more travelling!

Day 23: Favorite Vacation

The first thing that comes to mind is our family trip to the west edmonton mall. It is the largest mall in canada! It has a water and theme park, a hotel that has themed rooms and great shopping! I was 7 when we went and the biggest reason why I loved was cause my cousin timmy who is a couple years older than me came (he lives in edmonton) and we had so much fun playing together. Being an only child it was nice to have another young person around. We had a BALL! So fun

here's to more fun vacations

Day 24: Something you've learned.

I don't know about you but some days a feel like I've learned so much and other days I think I know nothing

1. Actions speak louder than words
2. At the end of the day all that matters is love
3. you can plan all you want but someetimes things go in a direction they never thought they would
5. things can change in a second
6. giving back is so important
7. hugs are good
8. YOU HAVE TO LOVE YOURSELF

Day 25: Ipod shuffle
1. Michael jackson - remember the time
2. Jesse Mccartney - Anybody
3.Cobra starship - good girls go bad
4. Jessica Simpson - with you
5. Rascal flatts - here comes goodbye
6. Ashlee Simpson - that's why i love you
7. Nick Lachey- On your own
8. Nsync - I want you back
9.Mario - how do i breathe
10. Carrie Underwood - songs like this

Whats on your ipod? What are some of your favorite apps?

blogger Challenge Catch up: 18-21

Omg guys where the heck have I been!! I didn't think I'd been gone that long..sooo sorry! I have not been feeling well lately. My new BFF is my bed.

Alrighty on that note time for some serious catch up in the blogger challenge! Ready? 1,2,3...GO

Day 18: Something you regret

Honestly I don't think that I regret anything that has happened my life so far. Are there things I wish would have turned out differently, Yes! but I don't know where I would be or what would really happen if things turned out different. I know how I wanted them to turn out but that is just a fantasy in my mind...a different scenario could be way worse than i could imagine. So I am going to say no I don't regret anything right now.

Day 19: Something you miss
I miss my Gege! I came across an essay question I answered for a scholarship I applied for. It was "tell us about a family member who has influenced you"
3. My grandfather who I called Gege has been a very influential person in my life. He was my grandmother’s partner for the last twenty years of her life. My biological grandfather was not in my life until I was older and so Gege became more of grandfather to me. He was an amazing man and has impacted my life in way I will not forget. He was one of the kindness men I have ever known. He taught me how to be a compassionate person and showed me how one simple act of kindness can make a big difference in another person’s life. My grandfather spent his life giving to others all the while not having much himself. I spent a lot of time with him visiting elderly people who he did housework and errands for. Although he would occasionally charge a small fee he spent a lot of time with them that he not receive compensation for. He became friends with all the people he worked with and you could always see how much they loved him. There was one women that he had been working for who was diagnosed with alzemiers. She became increasing ill and my grandfather would take care of her out of the kindess of his heart. She had a very specific diet because she had many allergies so my grandfather would make her all the foods she liked and could eat. He would visit her every weekend and a lot of the time he would bring me with him. He was very patient with her as she would repeat the same stories constantly but he was always there to keep her company. The woman would call him frantically in the middle of night because she would be fearful and forget how to get into bed or do other simple things. He never was angry about her phone calls and would always take the time to calm her. Once she went into the hospital my grandfather would visit her everyday and bring me with him on weekends. He taught me how importance of caring about others and making sure they are ok. I don’t think he ever realized the effect he had on the people he worked with. It was something he did out of the kindness heart. He was such a gentlemen. He showed respect to all people, especially his elders. As much as he instilled in me the importance of kindness, the greatest gift he gave me was love. He loved me without any expectations. I could be whoever I wanted and it didn’t matter to him because he just loved me. He always made me feel like there was nothing in the world I could do or say to make him love me any less. I went through a period where I was severely bullied at school because I walk with a walker.i had no friends and the only interaction I had was with my family. Each weekend he would spend time taking me shopping or to a restaurant. He always made sure that I felt special and he would do whatever to put a smile on my face. He didn’t have a lot but gave so much to others without realizing it. I feel so blessed to have known him. Although he is no longer with me his unconditional love and kindness will be with me forever. I will be able to go through life knowing that it’s not how much you have, its about how much you give.

Day 20: Nicknames

My dad has this funny and sometimes terrible thing where he has to make things rhyme so my nicknames from him are: Al the pal, Alyssa Pizza, Aly Oupster, Meat head (doesn't rhyme but he likes to jokingly call me this...he's lucky i like him)

Mom calls me sweet pea, Angel face, Schnuggie (I don't know where she gets it)

My poppy always called me Stinky because when I was a baby my mom undressed me to take a bath and handed me to him and I pooped on him (TMI..Sorry)

Most friends and family just call me Aly

Day 21: Picture of yourself


This picture makes me giggle. Its from my trip to Saskatoon to visit a friend. I was going through a really rough time and needed to get away from home. I was so happy to be there and so care free and relaxed. Love it!