Alyse French Photography | Houston-Based Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer

Last night, I had a dream. I know… Go figure. :) In this dream, Dylan and I had a baby boy named Stanley Cullum Morrissey. Yes, Stanley. As in Stanley Black & Decker (someone’s watching too much HGTV). And Cullum. As in one of my most-loved musical heroes, Jamie Cullum. Poor Stan-the-man wasn’t fed until he was over a day old (because I simply forgot) and was actually missing in action much of the time without anyone batting an eye. Needless to say, I woke up pretty darn scared about the future of our REAL children. Who will hopefully have better names… God bless them.

So, I’m drafting a new 101 in 1001 goal list and I couldn’t be more excited about it! I hope to explain more as to why I’m starting completely over when I share it on the blog on Thursday. But for now, I’m about 46 goals short! Apart from learning to knit and purchasing a sectional sofa more conducive to cuddling (because those are already on my list), what are some goals I should be considering?? (Note: This is not an invitation to tell me to lay off the Toaster Strudel.)

I think I’ve managed to inform most people who’d need to know, but for the sake of re-informing my sister for the seventh time… I am currently phoneless. Okay, that’s not exaaactly true. I am currently rocking a $15 Tracfone! The reason is three-fold. One – I’ve gone through three Blackberries in the past year and a half. They are all absolutely dreadful phones. Two – Verizon refused to give me my upgrade three weeks early even though I tried to charm them with my scratchy new laryngitic voice. And three – I sort of happen to like it! It’s a bare-bones, call-911-if-you’re-home-alone-and-start-choking kind of phone. And although I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be able to speak if I were choking, I happen to find some sort of comfort in that.

Dylan and I saw The Iron Lady on Saturday. And although so much of it felt irrelevant to me – I was 2-years-old when Margaret Thatcher left office – this film was incredibly beautiful and inspiring and heavy. The legacy left by both Thatcher AND my favorite actress of all time – Miss Meryl Streep, ladies and gentlemen – have had me thinking ever since. Also… If you plan on seeing this movie in theaters and insist on bringing in a box of Nerds, be sure to only take a swig during the parliament scenes when everyone is SCREAMING at each other. That way, no one will hear you. :)

Hey brides!! Have you been keeping tabs on BHLDN lately? And are you on their mailing list?? Because you 100% SHOULD be. I woke up to a sweet little email this morning, highlighting six different makeup looks for your big day by the fabulous Riku Campo. And you can even download the how-to’s! My personal fave is autumn twilight. SO perfect. Be sure to join BHLDN’s mailing list HERE!

Song of the Week: I Can’t Make You Love Me/Nick of Time by Bon Iver. I  have always loooved Bonnie Raitt’s original version of the former, but when I found out Bon Iver recorded THIS, I flipped out. Sure it’s heartbreakingly depressing. But it’s SO. GOOD. And you must listen!! :)

Until Thursday, here’s a sneak peek at what my January has looked like so far… Which is also a hint at some of my new goals. ;)

Happy Tuesday!!

It has been a LONG time, bloggy friends. And I THANK you for your patience during my recent blogging hiatus. The past two weeks have contained more Tidbit Tuesday-worthy moments than I can even attempt to write about. But a brief overview goes a little something like: went home for Christmas; went to Syracuse for Christmas-Christmas; flew home with tissues in one hand and beef jerky in the other; shot the most b-e-a-u-tiful New Year’s Eve wedding; had my brother Cam and his girlfriend Casey visit for six days; and finished a five-day antibiotic for bronchitis with side effects that made me just a tad more loopy than I am in everyday life. Yes, I DID try to pay the UPS guy with just one quarter, and wondered why he needed more than that.. It took me a few, but I got it. ;)

So yesterday? I ate an entire package of Toaster Strudel. I’m telling you, those commercials will be the death of me. It’s like I see one, showcasing those perfectly uniform lines of creamy icing on those perfectly flaky and gooey fruity treats, and I just. CAN’T. HELP. MYSELF. Within the hour, I was headed to the grocery store. Where I ALSO picked up orange juice and grape-nuts cereal to make up for the fact… (Oh-but-I-also-picked-up-an-apple-pie!!)

My BIRTHDAY month is here!! Just a little less than three weeks and counting. And for your own convenience (you know who you are) I’ve created this here Pinterest board of things I love! ;) The 30th falls on a Monday this year, but I’mma party on my own while Dylan’s at work by making my own cake. SEE!

Last week, during Cam and Casey’s trip to Houston, we went to the zoo! It’s my go-to destination for all visitors. WHO doesn’t like watching apes eat bugs out of each other’s heads anyway?? Or two red maned wolves attempting to kill a sweet little anteater minding its own sweet little business? OR two baby monkeys rip a worm in half and share it like best buds? Obviously, not us. Because I assure you, it was basically awesome. That, and the people watching is fantastic!

LIFE! It is beautiful. And I’ve been reminded of that a lot lately. SO many of my close friends are either getting engaged or having babies. I mean, seriously! THREE baby-announcements in THREE days?! When did we get this old? I’m not sure. But one thing I know from visiting the zoo? I want to be a hott and healthy mom someday. You know, that mom with the long flowing hair done up in waves. Wearing skinny jeans and bedazzled flats. She’s basically my hero.

Song of the Week: After the Storm by Mumford & Sons. I know I’ve highlighted pretty much every song on this album, but there’s just something so calming and peaceful about it. Whenever I need to relax, I listen to this song. I’ve also found that the Sigh No More album is the perfect drive-home-after-a-wedding album. Very reflective and pretty and sweet! And it’s especially great for when you’re sick in bed. With apple pie. Check out After the Storm HERE.

As I continue to work on Michelle and J’Max’s completely amazing wedding, I can’t help but share this image which totally made me squeal at first sight! The rest of the sneak peek is coming your way later this week on the blog. So believe me – you will WANT to stay tuned for this New Year’s Eve celebration!!