A Very Merry Christmas

I am honestly surprised I am even writing this. I cannot explain to you how in the zone I have been the past 48 hours. With family functions, new presents and my rekindled love of knitting, I have become something of a robot.

Ok so I may be over exaggerating just a bit, but really.

Synopsis of Christmas: 

I got a new Camera! Nikon D3200 with two lenses: an 18-55mm VR and an 55-200mm Non-VR DX. Plus a few filters and an ever so glorious camera bag. (Note the sarcasm. It is hideous but durable)

I also got a Patagonia 1/4 Zip Better Sweater. I am never taking it off.

Now that I have an SLR, I have been furiously sweeping the internet for the most idiot proof guide to taking pictures with it. My goal is to always use manual mode. My personal favorite guide so far is Darcy's 31 Days to a Better Photo. So what I may have been going a little faster than 31 days?

Also to discuss my knitting kick:

I have always been a knitter. I learned it with my Mom middle school and have loved it since.
In case any of you need clarification, I did say with my Mom. We both decided to learn from a group of old ladies at our Church. How precious is that.

My waves come and go, plus my skill level varies. However I love it a lot more than crocheting, which it seems that everyone at my college has picked up. 

I have dreams of opening up an Etsy shop with my Mom in the next 6 months. That entrepreneur spirit in me.  So on begins the knitting. Photographed are a few works in progress. I will post the finished results!

Have any beginner SLR photo tips? Or have a guide/blog that is helpful? Please let me know. I am a little stressed out about this new challenge I cannot seem to easily pick up.

I have some craft endeavors up my sleeve. Get excited.

Alyssa

Wanderlust Wednesday: Ireland

Christmas in Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful" - Norman Vincent Peale

Christmas Reflection

I wish I did not wake up at 11:30am this morning. 

I have been making an initiative to reclaim my mornings. Get a cup of coffee, sit in the stillness and just be. 

Soak in the presence of the holy spirit around me. 

I look around my house, with the mess of presents everywhere and the glowing of the tree. The smell of dinner cooking and the subtle roar of my parents arguing over something unimportant.

This stillness is one of the most beautiful aspects of the Christmas season. Jesus came into this world to die for us. His joyful birth is something to celebrate. Cheer for. Dance for. Yet with all of this, Jesus's birth is something to reflect on. 

The holidays are hectic. Full of expectations, hurt, materialism and busyness. 

Allow time for stillness. To just sit, reflect and bask in the presence of the Lord's birth.

Take time to Be Still.

Have a Merry Christmas.

Alyssa

Strip District-Pittsburgh

Today has been the first time I have been in my beautiful city of Pittsburgh since Fall break.

That is about 3 months people. Not really OK in my book. 

I got off for Thanksgiving break last Wednesday and headed straight to the Boy's house in Ohio for some much needed family bonding. By family bonding, I mean meeting approximately 15 different family members and spending more time with his family. I would be lying if I said it was not a little bit overwhelming. Yet, it was truly so great to spend more time with all of them.

However, being back in Pittsburgh means spending some much needed quality time with some long lost friends. I met up with one of my dearest friends from High school, Melanie, at Pamela's in Pittsburgh. Pamela's is a binge fest on the best crepe like Pancakes in Pittsburgh. Oh and lets not forget the bottomless coffee. 

My adventure then took me into wandering the streets of the Strip District, visiting familiar places as well as unfamiliar. The Strip District is a maze of eclectic shops, Pittsburgh food staples, street vendors, Steeler's fans and no parking. Plus during the holiday season there is this essence that is magical. 

Here in no particular order are 8 places in the Strip you need to visit.

1. Pamela's Diner 

Well duh.

2. Pittsburgh Popcorn Company

I did not manage to make a stop today and boy do I regret it. Not only do they have the classic Caramel, Cheese and Kettle flavors, but PPC has changing flavors with every couple of weeks. Currently they have Candy Cane Corn, Buffalo n Ranch and Jalapeno Popper until the 26th. 

3. Society for Contemporary Craft

Want an art gallery, store and classes in one? Well, the Society for Contemporary Craft is an incredible gallery right on Smallman Street that focuses on the art of mixed media and crafts. I love their use of beading in a lot of their art, as well as the innovation behind many of their exhibits. Plus I am actually addicted to looking up their different workshops.

4. 21st Street Coffee and Tea

You want a hipster coffee shop? Well here you have it. 

5. Kaya

A blend of Caribbean and Pacific food. I absolutely adore this restaurant and the vibe it has. I recommend making a reservation and getting the Black Bean and Pineapple Quesadilla.

6. Mancini's Bread

Pittsburgh has a great deal of Italian roots, including Mancini's. They have the best bread in Pennsylvania without a doubt. Plus their Pepperoni Rolls and Pizza dough are to die for. Stop in to pick up a loaf of Italian bread and any other concoction you can find.

7. Penn Avenue Pottery

There is not much really to say. I am obsessed with handmande pottery. I could be in this store all day. 

8.  Pennsylvania Macaroni Co.

The lines may be long (I am not exaggerating, they are enormous), but you will find the best cheese and pasta sauce.

What are some hidden gems in your city? Where are your favorite places to go to be tourists in your own city?

Alyssa

Christmas in 8 Days

Now that I am done with finals, I finally can whole heartedly celebrate the Christmas season. Due to the way Christmas and Thanksgiving fell this year though, I essentially only get 8 days at home celebrating without the stress of school. Another factor, I am staying with my boyfriend for 4 of those days.

Its time for me to fit every ounce of the holiday season in 8 days. How do you get the most of the holiday season?

1. Wear every ugly sweater you own.

If you do not own one, what are you doing still sitting at your computer. Run to your local Goodwill and pick one up before some hipster snags one up.

2. Seek out new Christmas music. 

Trust me. I am the biggest advocate for traditional Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby Christmas music. But there is something that truly gets you into the holiday spirit like some new Christmas music. Some of my favorites? Folk Angel, Sufjan Stevens

3. Only find Christmas themed pins on Pinterest

I have found so much inspiration for Christmas decorations, crafts and cookies the past few weeks on Pinterest. Do not let the opportunity pass you by while your news feed is flooded with Christmas pins. 

4. Get that Starbucks holiday drink. 

There are only here during the holidays. From the college kid whose nearest Starbucks is a 20 minute drive away, take advantage of those beautiful red cups.

5. Drive around any nearby neighborhood to look at lights.

Some of my most memorable moments at Christmas consist of me driving by myself, Christmas music blaring and the glow of Christmas lights flooding my car. Even if you do not live in a neighborhood with light fanatics. Take a moment to just sit and stare at your Christmas tree. 

6. Choose your Christmas movies wisely. 

8 Days. That means realistically only 4-5 movies will actually be watched. My favorites? A Christmas Story, The Year without a Santa Clause, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and White Christmas.

7. Snow? Play in it.

If you have snow where you live, do not let it pass. Play in it. Build a snowman. Have a snowball fight. Do not be afraid to bring out your inner 10 year old. Snow is a beautiful thing God has given us. Embrace it. Plus its an excuse to wear my cute L.L. Bean boots. 

8. Write heartfelt letters.

Everyone, including me deals with the stress of Christmas cards.Well 9 times out of 10 I usually never get them done. So why not take the opportunity to write my closest friends and loved ones truly heartfelt letters letting them know how much they mean to me? Even if it arrives a few days late, it hopefully will make their holidays. 

Enjoy the last 8 Days of the Christmas Season!

Alyssa