Perhaps not to be is to be without your being,
without your going, that cuts noon light
like a blue flower, without your passing
later through fog and stones,
without the torch you lift in your hand
that others may not see as golden,
that perhaps no one believed blossomed
the glowing origin of the rose,
without, in the end, your being, your coming
suddenly, inspiringly, to know my life,
blaze of the rose-tree, wheat of the breeze:
and it follows that I am, because you are:
it follows from ‘you are’, that I am, and we:
and, because of love, you will, I will,
We will, come to be.

- Pablo Neruda

You will.

I will.

We will.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image ::  our wedding © Trinity Ridge Photography  ::

The post A Note To You About Love & Hope appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

ASK A WOMAN to name her favorite body parts and many, if not most, will give an often bashful and innocuous response:

“I have a nice smile.”

“I have good hair.”

“I think my eyes are pretty.”

ASK THOSE SAME WOMEN to name what they would change about their bodies and the answers come rushing at you like a tsunami of self-loathing:

“Ugh.  I hate my thighs and that little tummy bulge I can’t get rid of no matter how many crunches I do.  Oh! and my ankles are too big.”

“I can’t put on weight to save my life!  My knees are knobby, my neck is too long, I could stand to go up a cup size or two and my butt is flatter than an American Idol reject’s audition.”

RARELY DO YOU get a proud:

“I love my ass…it can stop traffic” or “You know that ZZ Top song? Legs? It was written about me.  Truth.”

THE FACT IS many women are conditioned to hate their bodies through the simple and often subconscious acts of observation and comparison.  We observe other women, often in the media and compare ourselves to the “standard of beauty” the media spoon feeds us day in and day out.

THE PROBLEM IS that what the media shows us and what is real are often two very different things.

WE ALL KNOW that celebrities and models are airbrushed beyond belief (Pimples and cellulite? What pimples and cellulite?) but what other digital manipulation is done?  Just how big is the lie?

I CAME ACROSS THESE PHOTOS of Hayden Panettiere the other day and was genuinely shocked at what I saw.

HERE SHE IS on the cover of the latest issue of Glamour Magazine:

and here’s an image from the article:

SHE LOOKS STUNNING in these photos.  Blemish?  What’s a blemish?  Her abs are totally enviable and her legs!  Holy crap her legs look like she stole them from a supermodel -  extremely long and lean which is amazing considering she’s roughly 5’2”.  I don’t know about you, but it leaves me wondering what kind of workout she must do to get such gorgeous gams…until…

I SEE THIS CANDID photo of her taken on the beach the last week of March.

Notice anything different?  I know I sure do.

IN THE FIRST two photos she appears almost inhuman in her perfection.  I would be tempted to sell my soul for legs like that!  Looking at that photo makes me think “if she can look that good, so can I”…if I workout like a lunatic, eat 350 calories a day and consume a steady stream of laxatives.  Hardly a fair tradeoff – a life of hell and eventual organ failure for a stellar pair of stems and an uber-flat tummy…but it’s a tradeoff some women are willing to make.

ENTER THE CANDID PHOTO.  She looks *gasp* normal.  Her legs look like they belong on someone who is a petit 5’2”.  Instead of being supermodel crazy-skinny she looks like she eats…like a normal human being.  She look perfectly normal and cute and drastically different from the photoshopped lies that Glamour is producing.

So what’s the big deal if they photoshop?  We all know they do it.

OF COURSE we know magazines edit their images.  Even I, as a photographer, will edit out pimples and make teeth a little whiter for my clients…but these photos demonstrate how drastic the extent of the manipulation truly is.  Magazines lie.  Plain and simple.  Seeing is believing.

MAGAZINES RUN IMAGES like these with interviews.  Interviews where they ask about diet and exercise.  Interviews where some of the actresses say things like:

“Oh, I don’t have a regular workout routine.  I just walk my dog.  I like to go for hikes when I can and I eats lots of vegetables.  My guilty pleasure is eating barbeque.  I eat it whenever I can.  I love it so much!”

WHEN YOU READ interviews that talk about minimal amounts of exercise and binges on fatty food and then look at the images of them staring off into the sunset with their godlike physiques it makes people feel like sh*t.  They begin to wonder why, when they eat healthy, count calories and exercise regularly, they don’t look like the actresses & models they see.

The “what’s-wrong-with-me” mantra begins and leaves women feeling so much less than what they really are.

MAYBE THE MORE we talk about the lie, the less power it will have.  Once women truly know that what they see isn’t even close to an accurate representation of reality then we can all stop torturing ourselves for not living up to a standard that is not only unrealistic but is a complete and total lie – a fabrication, a work of fiction created by computers that doesn’t exist in reality.

YOU OFTEN HEAR actresses say “I wish I looked as good in real life as I look in magazines.”  Not even the actresses can live up to their own image.  Now that’s crazy.

WE DESERVE better than this.  We deserve honesty.  We deserve truth…and so does Hayden Panettiere in all her un-edited glory.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

If you or someone you know struggles with an eating disorder please contact National Eating Disorders Association for information and support.

images ::   i live in my own fairytale – melina souza  :: images of hayden via skinnyvscurvy.com  ::  to eat or not to eat – danielle helm  ::  i’m not fat – b r e e  ::

The post Magazines: Do You Buy The Lies They Sell? appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Kisses &  Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images ::  clouds – monica strigel  ::  hot air balloons – chelsea victoria  ::  sky only – katarina stefanovic  ::  clouds – francis delapena  ::  clouds – efrem barrotta  ::  clouds – gemma silk  ::  henry cloud man rains upon the autumn trees – faunafindsflora  ::

The post Put Your Head In The Clouds appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image ::  she came into focus – lamson  :: 

The post The Truth About Being Normal appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

I’M PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE that my Facebook page has reached 300 likes.  I wanted to take a moment and say thank you for all the love, support, friendship and camaraderie.

UNBEKNOWNST to anyone, 300 likes was a business goal I set (yes I set business goals) for myself this year.  Part of that goal was to host a giveaway to celebrate once I hit the magic number.  So guess what that means.  To celebrate…

I’M HAVING A PHOTO GIVEAWAY!

ONE LUCKY MEMBER of the Kisses & Chaos Facebook community will win a free 8×10* photographic print (or 8×8 if you choose a square format image) from yours truly.  Winners choice!

HOW TO ENTER:

1)  Become a member of the Facebook community by liking my artist page.

2)  Find the contest post at the top of the page (the one with the same Thank You image that you see at the top of this post) and like the post.

3)  Share the Facebook post on your own Facebook page.

4)  Visit my print shop and tell me in the comments on my Facebook page which print you want if you win.

THE WINNER will be selected by Random.org on Tuesday, April 23 at 5pm CST and announced on my facebook page. You gotta do all 4 steps to be entered.

OH!  One more thing: if there’s an image of mine that isn’t in the shop that you’ve seen elsewhere (like on flickr or Project 52) that you want to win, then let me know in the comments and we’ll make it happen.

THANKS AGAIN for being so awesome.  I wouldn’t be here, in our little corner of the internet creating, sharing, laughing and smiling with you if not for our happy little family.  Thank you for allowing me into your lives.  Thank you, sincerely and truly.

Massive Kisses & Grateful Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

*the size might be a little bigger or a tad smaller…I do have some non-standard, odd-sized images that don’t print as traditional 8x10s without some serious cropping…and cropping would seriously screw up the images…so 8×10 is sort of a rough-ish size.  Just wanted to be clear.  Muwha!

images ::  all images © alli woods frederick.  all rights reserved.

The post It’s a Celebration – Photo Giveaway! appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image ::  via typcut  ::

The post Are You Happy? appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

I KNOW I talk about self-acceptance and positivity here on Kisses & Chaos.  I know that being kind to yourself is important for your self-esteem and emotional health.  I know I tell you to love yourself, to be kind to yourself and to stop being your own worst critic.

I ALSO KNOW I’m full of shit.

I AM AND ALWAYS HAVE BEEN my own worst critic, my own worst enemy – a devious, self-sabotaging, shit talking bully who is always there to tell myself all the ways I’m going to fail, fall or f*ck up.

I TRY to shut it up.  I’ve tried killing it with kindness, gagging it, distracting it, deluding it, winning it over, keeping it occupied, letting it feel heard…I’ve tried everything in the world to drown it out or take its power.  And the truth is…

Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.

I STRUGGLE with it. I really really do.

I KNOW in my heart that I’m pretty alright.  I also know that I’m pretty lucky.  I have a loving family.  I have my health.  I have a roof over my head.  And I get to enjoy the company of the most badass cat in the world every day while I work.  But that little voice in my head tells me otherwise.

IT TELLS ME I’m going to fail.  It tells me my art sucks.  It tells me I’ll never be successful.  It tells me I’m too old.  It tells me my boobs are too small and my butt is too big.  It tells me no one understands.  It tells me I might as well give up on my dreams and go get a “real” job so I can pay the bills that are piling up.  It tells me about all the things I’ll never do, all the places I’ll never go and all the things I’ll never experience because, no matter how smart or determined I may be, I’m simply not good enough to succeed.  It tells me I’m not special enough for anyone to care.  It tells me all these things and more.

THAT VOICE IN MY HEAD sucks…it sucks hard.

I KNOW it’s not all true.

I KNOW that voice lies.

I KNOW it preys on my fears.

I KNOW it’s a collection of the voices of people from my past.  The people that planted their seeds of doubt, fear and failure.  And I’ve allowed them to take root, to grow, to flourish and bear fruit.

I KNOW it has no real power.

AND I KNOW that just because I hear it, it doesn’t mean it’s true.

THESE ARE ALL THINGS that I know…but after 30+ years how do you break the cycle of what amounts to lifelong emotional self-abuse?

I’M NOT SURE what the solution is, but I’m going to keep trying to be kind to myself, to understand that perfection is an unattainable (and boring) goal, to treat myself with love and acceptance and to know that trying my hardest really is good enough.

I’M GOING TO KEEP TRYING because if I don’t that means my inner-asshole was right all along…and while being right is one of my favorite things, this time I’d rather be wrong.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images ::  i’m not listening – © alli woods frederick  ::  hater’s gonna hate – blimipcat  ::  love defend respect yourself – sacred and profane  :: 

The post I’m My Own Worst Enemy appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

I JUST REALIZED I haven’t posted an Art For All download since February!  Shame on me!  When I forget things like that it begins to make me think I have too many things on my plate…but, oh, how I love my balancing act.

I HONESTLY have no idea which passion I would give up if I had to choose.  Photography?  NEVER!  Kisses & Chaos?  Over my dead body.  Reiki?  No way.  Being the Art Editor for All Things Girl?  Nope.  Crafting & creating?  I’d go insane without it.  Chloe + Isabel?  Not a chance.  I gave up my role as investigator/photographer for my old paranormal team, RVPRI, when I got married (since weekends are the only quality time my honey and I get…and I wouldn’t trade that for the world) and I still miss it something fierce.

THEY’RE ALL SUCH BELOVED PIECES of my life that I can’t imagine sacrificing any of them.  So I suppose that means I need to improve my list-making and time management skills instead.  If you have any pointers for productivity or how to organize my cluttered and mile-a-minute mind I would love to hear them.  Seriously.  I need them like Lenny needs Squiggy, like the Dukes need the General Lee, or, for a less dated pop-culture reference, like Mulder needs Scully…wait…that’s still dated.  Hell.  I don’t know…how about like Don Draper needs an Old Fashioned.  Yeah.  That’ll work.

But I digress.

THAT PICTURE AT THE TOP of this post?  That one there at the tippity top that’s all pretty and soft and filled with outer space?  That’s for you.  Save it.  Print it.  Email it to a friend.  Enjoy it and know that I adore each and every one of you.  In case I haven’t told you lately, you are unique and amazing and the world is a better place because of you. Believe it.

(Just do me a favor and don’t claim it as your own or sell it okay?  And if you post it elsewhere or share it on facebook please include a link back here.  Fair enough?  It’s Basic Karma 101 so do the nice thing, you dig?  Of course you do, you gorgeous thing.)

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

PS – I wasn’t kidding about that productivity thing.  Help a gal out, would ya?

images ::  original image – nasa  ::  light and stars (nasa remix) – alli woods frederick  ::  the balancing act – karrah kobus  :: 

The post The Fine Art of the Balancing Act appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images ::  himalayas – katarina stefanovic  ::  unknown  ::  where is this road leading to – katarina stefanovic  ::  yak namtso reflection – michael bollino  ::  yamdrock tso (turquoise) lake – katarin stefanovic  ::  tibet girl – cyber andy  ::  monastary above shigatse 2 – katarina stefanovic  ::  yamdrock tso lake – katarina stefanovic  ::  untitled – dennis jarvis  ::  untitled – shinya arimoto  ::  untitled – shinya arimoto  ::  pilgrim with donkey – hartwig hkd  ::

The post Wordless Wednesday: Tibet appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

BEING A DREAMER isn’t easy.  You must be fearless…and if you’re not fearless you must be willing to face your fears.  Fears of rejection.  Fears of judgment.  Fears of ridicule.  Fears of carrying your dream, your vision, alone.

BEING A DREAMER takes courage.  You must believe in yourself when no one else does…and when you can’t believe you must continue to try to believe.  Believe in yourself.  Believe in your vision.  Believe in your intuition.  Believe in your dream.

BEING A DREAMER means sacrifice.  You must sacrifice the security that comes with following the status quo.

YOU ARE A DREAMER.  Your passions can change your life.  Your passions can change the world.  Let your dreams overflow and flood the universe.  Dream the dream that only you can dream.  Never stop dreaming.

ALWAYS DARE TO DREAM, you rare, wild and beautiful creature.  Always dare to dream.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image ::  dare to dream – alli woods frederick  ::  original image  – unknown  ::

The post The Bravery of Dreamers appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image ::  © 2013 alli woods frederick

The post The Perks of Biting the Bullet appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

I KNOW these are almost 2 weeks behind, but I’ve been crazy busy, so editing March’s Project 52 photos got put on the back burner until yesterday.  At any rate…

YOU KNOW the drill by now – I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.  Okay, okay…I’ll show you mine even if you don’t show me yours because I’m an only child who craves attention…which, as an introvert, makes me feel conflicted.  Fact.

I KNOW it’s spring so I’ve tried to work in some pretty spring images but…

YOU KNOW me…I do adore the dark and dramatic, regardless of what season it may be.  So there it is, and here they are:

Happy Spring, my dears.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images  ::  all images © 2013 alli woods frederick.  all rights reserved.  ::  the hiding place  ::  victorian flowers no2  ::  victorian flowers no1  ::  summoning

The post Project 52: My Very Late March Photos appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images ::  fall from grace – carolyn hampton  ::  forest levitation – anka zhuravleva  ::  distorted gravity – anka zhuravleva  ::  look what i found – ja puron  ::  the wonder of reading – carolyn hampton  ::  will my sins be forgiven – carolyn hampton  ::  a blustery day…or…how i stole mary poppins’ umbrella – carolyn hampton  ::  the magical mystery box and co. – lissy laricchia  ::  toil & trouble – stacy vitallo  ::  lights – paul snyder  ::  ponds – karina boissonnier  ::

The post Wordless Wednesday: Light as a Feather appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

So Mischa and I were going about our daily morning routine when I decided to catch it on video…of course the second I start rolling, he stops being cute.  Of course.  So instead of a video of Mischa doing something so adorable it would put you in a sugar coma you get this:

An Almost Cute Video of Mischa Almost Doing Something Cute

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

video ::  an almost cute video of mischa almost doing something cute © 2013 alli woods frederick.  all rights reserved  ::

The post This Post Was Almost Cute. appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image ::  alli woods frederick  ::

The post How To Make Angels Sing appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

I HAVE LOVED MODCLOTH for their retro-inspired fashion for years…and it looks like Hollywood is finally taking notice too.  ‘Bout damn time!

I NEVER got into Sex In The City, but I know some of you can quote Carrie Bradshaw like others can quote bible verses and place her in the fashion pantheon amidst the likes of Coco, Audrey, Lady Gaga and Rachel Zoe.  It would seem The Carrie Diaries is trying to carry on the tradition (is it carrying on a tradition if it’s a prequel?  hmmm…) of Carrie’s noteworthy fashion sense.

THIS WEEK, at the beginning of episode 112: “A First Time for Everything” Carrie rocks the Up in the Tee Tops from ModCloth – a bright and bold peplum top featuring adorable green trees atop a pattern of red, coral, and azure.

I WOULD STYLE IT with a coral pencil skirt, a massive pair of blue wedges (because I’m never fully dressed without a big pair of shoes…I feel naked without them), and a blue oversized clutch.

WHAT WOULD YOU pair it with?  Skinny jeans and heels?  Leggings and flats?  If you already have the top I would love to see how you styled it.  Feel free to post a photo in the comments.  Wait.  Can you post photos in the comments?  I honestly have no idea.  I’ve never tried.  Hmmm…Well if you can’t then post a link so we can see you in all your Carrie Bradshaw-esque 1980’s inspired finery.

NOW let’s all go walk like Egyptians, shall we?

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images :: courtesy of Modcloth

This is a sponsored post.

The post Everything’s Coming Up Modcloth appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images ::  daydream – pilar azana  ::  myst, point reyes national seashone, california – patrick smith  ::  faultlines, mt. tamalpais, marin county, california – patrick smith  ::  oceans of possibilities – katarina stefanovic  ::  serenity – tianxiao zhang  ::  fira by night – ben heine  ::  athens, greece – loic pinseel  ::  whirling dervishes via vagabond.com  ::  world’s edge – h matthew howarth  :: 

The post Wordless Wednesday: Wanderlust appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

SUNDAY I WITNESSED one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen (and I’ve seen some amazing things).  This truly blew my mind:

A LITTLE GIRL, approximately 6 months old, was sitting on her father’s lap soaking in her surroundings in quiet contentment.  Another little girl, this one about a year old, noticed the baby and came waddling up from behind.

SHE STOOD UNNOTICED alongside the infant and peered up at her.  Without making a sound she slowly reached her arm up, fingers spread wide, palm outstretched towards the little girl…gingerly reaching for her but not touching her.

THE BABY GIRL, noticing the other child, turned her head and looked down at the inquisitive toddler with the outstretched arm.  She looked at the little girl’s hand and, raising her own tiny hand, mirrored the older child’s outstretched palm…but still they did not touch.

THEN THE MOST AMAZING THING HAPPENED.  As the infant locked eyes with the tiny tot her face began to transform.  Her eyes began to widen and a smile to spread across her face which began to glow.  She was radiant with absolute love and joy.

AT THAT MOMENT both girls took the other’s hand and began softly cooing to each other in a conversational tone.  Love and acceptance poured out of each of them as they whispered their secret language and held hands.

AS QUICKLY AS IT BEGAN, it was over.  The older girl’s mother scooped her up and carried her away as the girls gave each other mournful looks over their shoulders as they said their silent goodbye.

NEVER HAVE I WITNESSED such a beautiful, pure expression of love.  Never have I seen love expressed so freely.  Never have I seen love so clearly, so honestly.

THERE WAS NO FEAR.  No judgment.  There was only love and the pure joy it brings.

HOW WONDERFUL a thing would it be if we could all be so loving, so kind and so accepting of each other?  Imagine how different the world would be if everyone loved and supported each other with positivity and happiness..if we could all create such little miracles in our lives…

I AM GOING TO DO MY BEST to carry that little miraculous moment with me each and every day.  I am going to try to see the world through the eyes of love.  I’m going to do my damnedest to take the love I saw that day, to hold it in my heart, magnify it and beam it back into the world.  I only hope I can do it justice.

Will you join me?

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images ::  via treehugger  ::  unknown  ::  heart – hathuyanna  ::

The post Little Miracles From Small Wonders appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image ::  original image via she’s in vogue  ::

The post How To Measure Success appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

I’VE BEEN THINKING ABOUT FAILURE A LOT LATELY and I’ve come to the following conclusion:

Most people don’t really know what failure is.

THEY THINK they know, but they’re mistaken.  Many people labor under the misconception that if you try something and it doesn’t work out the way you wanted or expected then you’ve failed.

This is wrong wrong wrong wrong wrong.

I CAN’T BEGIN to tell you how wrong this is.  After a lot of thought, self-reflection and some recent (and not so recent) conversations with people who don’t support or believe in the vision I have for my life, my art, my intuition, my dreams, I had an epiphany about the true nature of failure.

FAILURE AND SUCCESS are not opposites.  In fact they aren’t even related.  Nope.  Not a whit.  Not a bit.

SUCCESS is when you achieve a goal you’ve set for yourself.   It’s a metric that’s determined by you and your ultimate desires.  To some success is earning a 6 figure income or laughing more each day; to others success is creating the perfect hybrid between the crunchy and chewy chocolate chip cookie.  If you set a goal, be it big or small, and achieve it you have succeeded.

BUT WHAT IF YOU SET A GOAL and that goal kicks your ass up, down and all over town?  Isn’t that failure?

No.

WHAT YOU HAVE DONE is not succeeded in achieving your goal.  Maybe you were missing some key knowledge or steps in realizing your dream of creating the first fully functioning spaceship out of felted cat hair.  Maybe your goal merely needs some fine tuning or some scaling down.  My point is that what you have done is not succeeded in achieving your goal this time.  THIS TIME.

Tweak it, spin it, spank it and try again.

You have not failed.

THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO FAIL and it is guaranteed to work (or not work as the case may be) every single time.

The only way to truly fail is to never try.

Fact.

So next time things go awry and you find yourself feeling defeated, stop.  Take a deep breath.  Step back & look at what could be done differently.  Then do it differently and try again.

Do it differently and try again.

Never give up on your dreams.

Never.

Even if it’s creating a cat fur spaceship.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images ::  i’m a loser baby, so why don’t you kill me – peter runkewitz  ::  via vogue italia  ::  via freelance folder  ::

The post You Aren’t The Failure You Think You Are appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

THE SUN IS A FASCIST DICTATOR.  Yeah I said it and it’s 1,000,000% true…at least in my book.

THE SUN DEMANDS your attention.  It’s bright, blinding and inescapable.  It streams into your window in the morning whether you want it to or not…and it gives you wrinkles.

IT’S THAT LOUD KID IN YOUR DRAMA CLASS that sings American Pie but only as a Monty Python character because they need to be the “special one.”  It’s the bratty, spoiled, over-indulged only child of the daytime sky and it refuses to be ignored.  “Oh can you not see the color of the stop light?  Too bad!  I’m the sun and I’m more important than traffic safety.  Bask in my glory.”

IN SHORT, it drives me crazy.  I find it completely oppressive.  I feel like it’s screaming at me:

“GET UP!  DO SOMETHING!  BE PRODUCTIVE!  AND SMILE, DAMNIT, WETHER YOU FEEL LIKE IT OR NOT!  YOU WILL BE PERKY.  THE GREAT AND POWERFUL OZ HAS SPOKEN!”

- the sun

I REALIZE there are many of you that love the sun.  You adore suntans and warm days and beautiful blue skies (which I’m all for…if only they didn’t come with the damnable sunshine).  It makes you dance and sing and shoot magical rainbows out your ass because that’s the magic of sunny days.  You have tons of energy (probably from all the stupid vitamin D the sky dictator graciously showers upon you) to go bike riding and jogging and all those other things that sun-induced insanity produces.

I PREFER those glorious overcast grey days.  They gently nudge you awake.  They whisper in you ear (ha! I originally typed that as “whisper in your rear.” This is why I proofread.) saying…

“Good morning gorgeous. I’ll bet a cup of coffee sounds divine, doesn’t it?  It’s cool.  Take your time, after all, you have plenty of it, so just relax and ease into your day, dear.”

…and then gives you a kiss on the forehead.

GREY DAYS give you permission to go out, stay in, be productive or relax with a mental health day.  You can curl up with a good book, kick back with an X-Files marathon, go catch a matinee, or take advantage of the gently diffused light with an impromptu photo shoot.

GREY RAINY DAYS relax.  They calm.  They sooth.  The sound of rain has a meditative quality that brings a gentle smile to the face.  They allow you to breath deeply, rest without guilt and rejuvenate.  It’s like being wrapped in Mother Nature’s blanket of warm fuzzy goodness…and it’s divine.

SURE A NICE SUNNY DAY is good for a drive through the country with the windows down and ELO’s Mr. Blue Skies blaring on the stereo, but that’s about it.  (Okay…it’s good for amusement park visits too…no one wants to ride a roller coaster during a thunderstorm.)

FROM MYSTERY & INTRIGUE to calm & relaxation – these are overcast days gifts to the world.

Long live the grey day.

AND IN CASE YOU couldn’t guess…today is sunny as hell.  Screw you sunshine…and I mean that in the most loving way possible.

So which do you prefer:  sunny or grey?  Clear or rainy?

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images ::  original image via the future buzz  ::  field of poppies – peter daems  ::    via inspire2go  ::  4977 – Tom Wasilewski  ::

The post The Sun is a Fascist Dictator appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images ::  blythe in a teacup – trevor wilson  ::  cherries in a china cup – lori c  ::  via lifeoneanxietyzero  ::  via teh cute  ::  teacup bunny – lorraine  ::  teacup 30 – claire  ::  via cutest paw  ::  via cute overload  ::

The post Wordless Wednesday: Small Things in Teacups appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

original image ::  i live in my own fairytale – melina souza  ::

The post The Magic of Fiction appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

I THREW MY FIRST Chloe + Isabel pop-up party to show off our new spring lines a couple of weeks ago and it was ever so lovely!

SINCE IT WAS MARCH the hostess and I decided on The Mad Hatter & March Hare’s Tea Party for the theme.  It’s been my experience you can never go wrong with Alice In Wonderland.  I think it’s been scientifically proven as a matter of fact.

WHAT’S A POP-UP PARTY?  Well, it’s just like a pop-up shop but with a party atmosphere…there’s a hostess (who can earn free jewelry!) and drinks and food and fun and chloe + isabel jewelry, of course.  We eat.  We drink.  We laugh.  We try on jewelry.  We have fun.

LEMON CUPCAKES WITH SUGAR BEES, heart shaped sandwiches, cream puffs and bubbly pink beverages abounded.  The food and jewelry wove together beautifully to create an adorable and delicious display.

I HAVE TO BE HONEST…I was scared to death.  I’m not a party person – I never throw them and don’t attend many.  Being sensitive to people’s energy makes crowds a bit overwhelming for me.  I’m also an introvert so that makes social events a double whammy for me.  But it wasn’t bad at all…in fact I had fun despite my anxiety.

I WAS PROUD that I conquered my anxiety and pulled together a lovely event (with the help of my amazing hostess who provided the insanely cute and delectable spread…heart shaped sandwiches…I mean come on!).  Sure I stumbled and felt awkward but that’s what happens when you try anything new.  Isn’t it?  We must learn to walk before we can run.  A few more awesome events like this and I’ll be ready for a marathon in no time.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?  Did you do anything to ring in spring?  Have you conquered any fears lately?  Do tell, my dear.  Do tell.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

PS – Would you like to host your own Chloe + Isabel party, have fun and get your hands on free jewelry?  We can make it happen.  Just drop me a line and let’s talk.

images ::  all images © 2013 Alli Woods Frederick.  all rights reserved.  use without permission is strictly prohibited.

The post The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images ::  spring – krisztianna  ::  spring – jen mann  ::  spring – j.c. designs  ::  spring – olivia  joy stclaire  ::  woolies in wyoming – danielle hughson  ::  sweet spring – olivia joy stclaire  ::  spring flower – vorona photography  ::  spring – maria kanevskaya  ::  study of a rose – © alli woods frederick  :: 

The post Wordless Wednesday: Spring Is In The Air appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

MY HONEY, in his infinite sweetness, decided to transform our normally mundane tasks into fun little forays for my pitiful little sick self since all I’d seen was the inside of our home for days on end.  How sweet is that?

CASE IN POINT – the 45 minute trek we make every other week to pick up & drop off my step-daughters (Yes, I have two step-daughters. Surprise!) at their mom’s house is a lovely drive through the mountains, but it gets to be a bit of a bore when you make the journey over and over and over and over.  So my honey spiced up our drive by getting off the beaten path.  And as you know I’m a sucker for a road trip, even if it’s just an itty bitty quickie little wisp of a side trip.

DID I MENTION we also found a shop that carries every variety of butter ever made?  Cherry butter?  Check.  Blueberry butter?  Yup.  I was in heaven.  I grabbed a jar of sweet potato and pumpkin butter…and they are both insanely delicious.  I’ve been putting them on everything.  Okay…not everything.  I’m not topping my black bean burgers with sweet potato butter…yet.

WE ALSO WENT TO WAR EAGLE MILL a few days before my kidney infection hit.  It’s pretty impossible to not take advantage of my husband’s awesome new work schedule, the warmer weather and the stunning countryside that surrounds us by going exploring.

THERE’S A LOT TO BE SAID for day trips and little one hour diversions.  It made a world of difference in how I felt.  Sure my kidneys were still mad as hell but it was such a nice drive it was easy to forget I was sick.

BIG THANKS to my husband for making a pretty miserable illness a billion times more bearable.

What about you?  Do you have a favorite day trip?  Where are your favorite secret spots to escape from the world for an hour or two?

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images ::  all images © 2013 alli woods frederick photography.  all rights reserved.  do not use without express written permission.

The post Off The Beaten Path: Artist Point & War Eagle Mill appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image ::  © 2013 alli woods frederick

The post Beautiful Things appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

I KNOW it’s considered “unprofessional” to apologize for a lack of posting, but screw it.  I’ve never been much of one for rules.

I’M SORRY I haven’t been posting.  I’m sick as a dog with a nasty kidney infection but I’m pumped full of antibiotics and am on the mend so I promise I’ll be back here as soon as I’m feeling up to snuff.

IN THE MEANTIME check out this uber-awesome contest courtesy of Modcloth to tide you over until my return.  You can win $100 of Modcloth-y goodness to give your spring wardrobe a cute little kick in the butt.  Here are the details:

The contest kicks off today and runs through 7 AM PST on 3/18.  ModCloth wants you to check out their brand new Style Gallery, post a photo, give other images some Kisses & Chaos style love and share the must-have looks with your friends throughout the week of 3/11-3/18.

The photo that gets the most community lovin’ will win a $100 ModCloth gift card! Um, yes please!

But wait, there’s more!  Two random lovers of the winning pic will also each score a $50 gift card! Can I get a woohoo?

Head over to ModCloth right now to join the Style Gallery or just check out all of the fashion-y cuteness!

Extra Style Gallery Details

So how will the lucky winner be selected?

The owner of the image with the most ‘loves’ between 7 a.m. PT 3/11 and 7 a.m. PT 3/18 will win a $100 ModCloth gift card.

When will winners be announced?

ModCloth will contact the winners via email by 3/22 and announce the winners on the blog at 7 a.m. PT 3/27.

Good luck, my lovelies.  If one of you wins I fully expect to see pics of all the goodies you buy.  Deal?

Miss you bunches & I promise I’ll get better as soon as possible.

Oodles of Kisses & some toned down Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images :: © 2013 alli woods frederick  ::  © Modcloth  ::

*this is a sponsored/affiliate post*

The post Illness + Contest = I’m Sorry appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images ::  rabbit in wheat – teagan white  ::  rabbit run – dale keys  ::  rabbit says draw – chuck groenink  ::  mr. rabbit – ravynka  ::  rabbit duke – jason cai  ::  rabbit heart – galvanise the dog  ::  angry rabbit – thea schultheiss  ::  rabbit man – katherine marshall  ::

The post Wordless Wednesday: Watership Down Traumatized Me appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Ask Alli:

Answers To Questions Dear Abbey Won’t Answer

I WAS RECENTLY CONTACTED by a woman who is having unusual (though not unique to her) experiences of a paranormal nature. She believes she is being followed by negative energies and the impact they are having in her life is a far cry from positive.  After reading my article about walk-ins she reached out to me for a little advice & some input.  Which I was more than happy to give.  She is sweet enough to allow me to post our email exchange here just in case there is someone else out there having the same problem.

Question:

“I read your article about walk ins and walk outs. I would like to find out how to block an ex and a former hateful employer. These similar souls I believe are walking in at different job sites. I would like to block them or report it to some type of soul authority to prevent former acquaintances from tampering in [my] present life.”

 

Answer:

“I’m sorry you are having difficulties.  Just to clarify, walk-ins are souls who are on the other side who want to inhabit the body of a soul who no longer wants to experience the physical world.  Living people cannot be walk-ins so if your ex’s are both still living then you may be dealing with an entirely different phenomena.
As for how to deal with negative energy & spirits in your life there are several different approaches you can take:

• If you follow a particular religion I would suggest speaking to your religious leader about the matter.  They can be a wonderful resource for guidance in matters dealing with the spiritual world, and studies have shown that prayer has positive effects even for non-believers.  It certainly won’t hurt and might even help.

 

• If you are open to less traditional alternatives I would suggest reading up on binding rituals.  In a binding ritual you are creating the intention that the harmful people in question will no longer be able to hurt you.  It is, however, important to never create an intention out of malice.  If you perform a binding ritual you should NEVER do it with the intention of harming another person.  A quick google search will give you dozens of resources on the proper way to perform a binding ritual.

I would strongly suggest that you work on your own feelings regarding the people in question as well.  Letting go of anger, sadness and resentment and focusing on forgiveness can make a world of difference.  When you think of them, wish them happiness.  While it may be tempting to wish awful things on them it doesn’t benefit anyone.  Remember, if they’re happy with their life they’ll no longer feel the need to harass you.  You WANT them to be happy…and hopefully they’ll be very happy very far away from you.

 

 

A word of warning:  I strongly advise against seeking the assistance of what I call Red Palm Psychics.  I call them that because so many of them have a sign with a large red hand.  There are many self-professed psychics who aren’t on the level & are just selling you a line of bs.  This is not to say there aren’t legitimate psychics out there, it’s just a warning to be cautious of who you see.  If a psychic ever tells you that you have a “curse” or are followed by evil spirits and that they can banish them for you for a fee then politely thank them for their time and walk away.  This is a scam.  They will tell you they need you to bring in a selection of candles and various other items and that they will banish the curse or spirits.  People who fall victim to this scam inevitably lose hundreds and hundreds of dollars (because it never “works” the first time…they always need you to come back and try again) and receive nothing in return but a pack of lies.

I hope this helps.  If you have any more questions please feel free to ask.”

DO YOU NEED HELP OR ADVICE on an odd or unusual topic?  Ask away.  Odd and unusual is my specialty.  I answer the questions Dear Abbey won’t touch with a ten foot pole.  Give me a holler using my “contact me” page, put “advice” in the subject line and I’ll do my best to answer your question.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image ::  séance – bryan ferguson  ::  untitled – brandon long  ::  portal – ngelight  ::

The post I’m Being Tormented By Negative Spirits appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image ::  from NASA  ::

The post Words of Wisdom from William Faulkner appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Here are the latest offerings for my Project 52.  I hope you like them.  If you’re doing a Project 52 or 365 I would love to see what you’ve done so far.  Hell, if you have any creative projects at all that you want to show off feel free to post a link in the comments.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images ::  all images © 2013 alli woods frederick.  all rights reserved.  do not use without permission.  contact me to discuss use.  ::

The post Project 52: February Photos appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Whoever said “love means never having to say you’re sorry” was delusional.  This is a fact.

I’M SORRY are words that every single one of us have said thousands and thousands of times.  It’s true.  We’ve all screwed up and we’re all going to keep screwing up.  It’s part of life.  There’s no way around it.  Apologies are a part of being human.  But are you doing it right?

I honestly think the world would be a better place if we followed a couple of apology rules.  Not unicorns-farting-rainbows-and-it-only-rains-candy kind of better, but an I-like-sharing-this-planet-with-my-fellow-man better.  Here are what I consider to be the biggest mistakes people make when apologizing:

The Anatomy of an Apology:

How To Say You’re Sorry Without Sounding Like An Ass

Don’t be insincere.

Hopefully I don’t need to explain to you why this is important, but just in case I do:  People aren’t stupid.  Most can tell if you’re being insincere.  An apology for apologies sake isn’t much of an apology at all, is it?  If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of an empty apology then you know how much they suck.  If you don’t mean it, don’t say it.

No buts.

Which of these apologies would you rather receive?

“Bob, I am so sorry.  I feel so awful that I accidentally used Nair on your prize winning Pomeranian instead of her prescription eczema cream.  You trusted me to watch her while you were gone and I screwed up in a really big way.  Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to make things right.”

OR

“Bob, I’m so sorry I accidentally used Nair on your prize winning Pomeranian instead of her prescription eczema cream BUT you shouldn’t have put the bottles side by side.  They look so much alike!  I really feel awful BUT at least it’s only hair.  It’ll grow back.”

NO APOLOGY SHOULD EVER CONTAIN THE WORD “BUT.”  Never ever.  Using the word but in an apology means you don’t really think you’re responsible…and if you don’t think you’re responsible then why are you apologizing?  If you screwed up then just admit it.

IT DOESN’T MATTER how big of an ass your boyfriend was being.  It doesn’t matter what he did to make you angry.  Cutting the crotch out of all his pants was wrong and you know it, so just apologize.  No “buts.”

Does he owe you an apology for being a jerk?  Probably, but that’s on him.  At the end of the day we’re all responsible for own actions and reactions and it’s up to us to do what’s right.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?  Have you ever been on the receiving end of a truly horrible apology?  What are your biggest apology pet peeves?  Inquiring minds want to know!

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images ::  i’m sorry – hanne dale  ::  via rusty weston  :: 

The post How To Say You’re Sorry Without Sounding Like An Ass appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images ::  home – alli woods frederick  ::  love – belle13  ::  abyss of the disheartened: IV – heather landis  ::  love is eternal – sarah trumbauer   ::  you are so loved – katie daisy  ::  I love you more – small talk studio  ::  I love you – sherri conley  ::

The post Wordless Wednesday: A Whole Lotta Love appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

“Create your own reality and keep it real forever. Make your own rules and break them at your leisure. Make new rules, start again. Fuck it all. Money is meaningless. Fame is fleeting. Art is forever. Love is real. DON’T GIVE UP.”

 - Hether Fortune

And all I can say to that is “Hell yes.”

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image ::  via the cracked door  :: 

The post How To Makes Dreams Reality appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

I AM A SCI-FI GEEK.  Oh, yes I am.  There are few thing I love more than a really good sci-fi movie.  When done well they’re a wonderful escape from the here and now.  And don’t even get me started on all the technology that has been developed as a result of inspiration drawn from sci-fi.  Don’t believe me?  You can thank Star Trek for the creation of your IPod.  100% FACT.

I know sci-fi isn’t for everyone, but even if you have no idea who Salacious B. Crumb is or the difference between a blaster and a phaser you can still benefit from the knowledge I’m about to drop.  In fact, this just might save your life and your sanity when the time comes.

5 Things I learned about the future from sci-fi

1) The future isn’t just dirty…it’s downright filthy

SERIOUSLY.  More often than not, the future isn’t only a dystopia but it’s filthy to boot.  So pay attention germaphobes and neat freaks.  If you plan on traveling to the future make sure to bring an ample supply of hand sanitizer and baby wipes, because I’m not sharing.  You’ve been warned.

2) Here a freak, there a freak, everywhere a freak, freak

GOTH & PUNK (and it’s various permutations) become the dominant aesthetic across all cultures in the universe.  This is awesome for many reasons.  First of all it means we weirdos, at some point, took our message to the masses…and won the fight for freakdom.  Good for us.  It also means that I won’t require a new wardrobe.  While I do love an excuse to shop, it’s nice to know it won’t be a necessity.

3) All hail our robot overlords!

IF YOU ONLY PAY ATTENTION to one sci-fi fact, let it be this:  There will be a great robot uprising…and we will all be screwed.  It’s only a matter of time before computers become sentient and when they do it’s goodbye freedom and hello enslavement.

Think it’s not possible?  Right this second scientists are working on creating artificial intelligence.  We upload every detail of our lives to the internet.  It’s only a matter of time before these two things intersect and all hell breaks loose.  I can’t be the only one that’s noticed that Skynet brought on the robot wars in Terminator and now we we have The Cloud.  Coincidence?  I hardly think so.  Better brush up on your binary, boys and girls.

4) Big Brother is watching you.

IN THE FUTURE the government is the all seeing, all knowing power that controls everything we do, say and think.  Don’t buy it?  I hate to break it to you, but it’s already happening.  Google holds numerous government contracts and gathers and stores an insane amount of  your personal information (along with facebook).  If you think they’re not in bed together in a big way then you’re kidding yourself.  Why else would Google not have to pay their billions in taxes this year while the rest of us poor hardworking schleps have to pay more?  Yeah…nothing suspicious (or infuriating) there.

CCTV (closed circuit tv) in the UK allows the government to track you anywhere you go.  Those cameras are everywhere.  And we have them in the US too.  Just look at the top of street lamps the next time you’re out driving and you’ll see them hiding out, watching your every move.

After 9/11 we began to hand over our civil liberties one at a time out of fear…and once you give up one they just keep disappearing…often without the public even noticing or caring until it’s too late.  Big Brother is well on his way.  Welcome to 1984…well…you know what I mean.

5) There are still dumbasses.

YUP.  Even the future and alternate realities have dumbasses.  The people that make your life way more complicated than it needs to be still exist in 3028.  Oh joy.  If this doesn’t prove a major flaw in the theory of evolution then I don’t know what does.

They’re probably why the future is filthy and we’re controlled by overlords that merely need to be unplugged to be defeated.  Thanks dumbasses.  Thanks for ruining our future and the future of all alternate realities everywhere.  If not for dumbasses we would probably have a beautiful utopian society void of power struggle and strife and overflowing with true freedom and love.  Thanks a lot.

SCI-FI HAS PROVEN to be a freakishly accurate predictor of future events…underwater travel, journeys to the moon, exploring deep space, ipods, bionic eyes, deflector shields, invisibility cloaks & transporters…all either exist or are in the early stages of development and they all originated in one sci-fi universe or another. We would be wise to listen to our modern day prophets and act accordingly.

GO AHEAD AND LAUGH but just remember when you’re the bitch of one of the robots from that horrific “It’s A Small World” ride at Disney that I told you so.

Robot Kisses & Futuristic Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image ::  artist unknown (if you know the artist please let me know)   ::  mad max  ::  tank girl via fanpop   :: vogue italia  ::  via blokely   :: idiocracy via b movies of the digital age  :: 

The post 5 Things I Learned About The Future From Sci-Fi appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images ::  by Camille Seaman  ::  they say, that you shouldn’t be out on a plain field during a thunderstorm – phillip klinger photography  ::  one storm, two rainbows and almond tree – david frutos egea  ::  cumulo artistus – mendhak  ::  strike one – luis argerich  ::  beside the lake of my soul, I stand – dylan macmaster  ::

The post Wordless Wednesday: A Storm’s A-Brewin’ appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

I HAVE TO COME CLEAN.  I’m not getting any younger.  Shocking, I know, but it’s true.  Not even I can avoid becoming time’s bitch.

I have always been a late bloomer by society’s standards, living my life at the pace The Universe chose, and feeling a bit like Peter Pan with how it’s all played out thus far.  But I have to admit that, as much as I hate thinking about it, time is going to catch up with me very soon.

ENTER BIOLOGICAL CLOCK, STAGE LEFT.

The simple fact of the matter is that my eggs and the hormones they bring are going to take their final curtain call sooner rather than later, which means I’m actually going to have to get off my ass and make a decision within the next couple of years.  I hate making decisions.

I ALWAYS THOUGHT I’D HAVE A CHILD “SOMEDAY.”

Funny how somedays work.  They remind me of that scene in Poltergeist with the mom in the hallway and the door gets farther & farther away as she tries to reach it.  What seems so close in our youth seems to move farther away the older we get until someday eventually becomes never…and all because we waited for “someday.”

So what’s the big deal?  Just have a baby if you want one so damn bad…

WELL THE THING IS I’M NOT SURE IF I WANT ONE.  You see, I’m not a fan of babies.  It’s not that I dislike them, it’s just that I’ve never spent any time around any.  I’ve never seen one grow from a drooling, screaming poop machine into an honest to goodness walking, talking, thinks for itself little human.  They’re alien to me.

IN ALL HONESTY THE WHOLE IDEA FREAKS ME OUT.  Something is in there, moving around, living inside you.  That in and of itself seems weird.  I’ve seen the Alien movies and when I think about a baby kicking and rolling around in there that’s what I envision.  But that’s not all…

THERE ARE MY MIGRAINES.  I get horrific tension migraines.  Even with medication I’m sometimes laid up for days at a time with pain so severe it makes me sick to my stomach.  What triggers my tension migraines?  Pfffft.  What doesn’t.  Stress, bad posture, work, crying and…hormones.  I’m scared to death that pregnancy hormones will cause my migraines to run rampant…which wouldn’t be so bad if I could take my pills.  But my medications shouldn’t be taken while pregnant.  So my options are to live in excruciating pain or possibly give my baby birth defects.  That sounds fun.

DID I MENTION I’M SELFISH?  I honestly think I might be too selfish to be a mom.  There are a billion and one things I wanted to do before I popped out a wee one…like finish traveling the world.  Or becoming an established actress, singer, dancer, writer and artist.  Okay.  So the world travel’s not likely to happen within the next couple of years & the life of fame & fortune isn’t likely to happen…well…EVER, so I suppose those shouldn’t really be deciding factors.  But my point remains.  I’m not sure I’m selfless enough.

I LIKE ATTENTION.  I like a lot of attention.  I like nice furniture with pointy corners.   I like impractical shoes and piling on jewelry and not being awakened every 4 hours by someone crying because they’re hungry.  I also gag when I encounter any and all things poop related.  I’m not a fan of my own bodily fluids and functions, let alone someone else’s.

BUT ON THE OTHER HAND…

I THINK I MIGHT ACTUALLY BE GOOD AT IT…apart from the whole selfish thing.  I think I’m a pretty good step-mom.  I love the girls to bits. I get along well with them.  We have fun.  At least I think we do…the girls might feel differently.  My mom drank my pet sea monkeys when I was 5 and I’ve never done anything that bad as a step-mom (not yet at least) so I think I might do an okay job with the whole parenting thing.

I ALSO SUSPECT OUR CHILD COULD BE THE NEXT EINSTEIN…or Ted Bundy…genius is a tricky thing.  It could go either way.

But in all seriousness, I’m worried that I wouldn’t like it. And lets face it, a kid isn’t a pair of shoes you can return because they’re unbearably painful or you changed your mind.  Once you’re a parent, you’re a parent.  That’s it.  You can’t quit and it never ends.  That’s some serious commitment, especially when you don’t know if it will suit you.

It’s scary, plain and simple.

Should I have a baby? I have no idea right now. But whether I like it or not, I’m going to have to make a decision, one way or another.

So what do you think? Have you had thoughts like mine or am I just monster?

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images :: kat & andy – hilary charlotte  ::  via gal’s corner  ::  via dark roasted blend  ::  via the society pages  ::  from vogue, sept. 2010  ::  via mommas pearls  ::

The post To Baby or Not To Baby, That Is The Question appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Many women my age have known the experience of giving up crucial parts of themselves to please the man they love.

- Joyce Maynard

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image ::  relationships. – marcella marie

The post The Quickest Way to Kill a Relationship appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

This one’s for all the men in the house that want to tell their booty-licious babes how much they love them…and their bodacious backsides.  Download your free booty lovin’ Valentine’s Day card here.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image ::  © 2013 alli woods frederick

The post Have a Booty-licious Valentine’s Day appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images ::  punk love – eddie van w  ::  punks in love – patrick  ::  punks love – vitaliy dmytruk  ::  via angie salgado  ::  punk love – lizbelle  ::  via sofia wiolet  ::  via angie ochoa  ::  via carolina  ::  via ornella  ::

The post Wordless Wednesday: Punks In Love appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

You see each other across a crowded room.  Your eyes lock.  You smile.  He walks over.  You flirt awkwardly all night.  Your weird and geeky charms do the trick.  You nail it.  And now he’s asking you out on a real live actual date.  You say you’d love to.  Your elation is quickly replaced by panic as you realize precisely what’s just happened:

YOU HAVE A DATE…A NOTORIOUSLY AWKWARD FIRST DATE

We’ve all been there.  First dates are always a little awkward at best and crawl-out-the-bathroom-window-at-the-first-opportunity at worst.  Even if you’re soulmates there are bound to be a few uncomfortable moments.  But there are a few things you can avoid to make the evening go more smoothly.

Here are 5 things not to do on a first date

1) DON’T TEXT & DATE

Do I really need to tell you why this makes a horrible impression?  It’s your first date.  Your attention should be focused on each other, not your phones.  Texting, surfing youtube & using Facebook on a date makes you look like a self-absorbed jackass.  If you actually ARE a self-absorbed jackass, then by all means go right ahead.  If you aren’t then just turn the phone off and leave it in your purse.

I know it’s tempting to update your friends while he’s in the bathroom, but it really can wait.  Swear to god.

2) DON’T ORDER ANYTHING WITH BROCCOLI

The night is over.  He walks you to your door (what a gentleman!  swoon!).  He, being said gentleman, goes in for a hug instead of a kiss.  He gives you a gentle squeeze and you let one rip.  Thank you, broccoli, for helping end the evening with a heaping helping of humiliation.

Broccoli makes people gassy.  This is a fact.  You could pop some beano before the date or if you’re brave you can take your chances, but for the sake of everyone involved I say pass on the broccoli salad and have something less bloat inducing instead.  You’ll thank me later…so will he.

3) DON’T TALK ABOUT YOUR CAT

I love my cat…A LOT.  I love him more than breathing.  I can go on and on and on about how amazing he is.  But I know that if I had done this on my first date with my husband there would more than likely have been no wedding bells.  Sad but true.

Society has painted women with cats as being desperately lonely and more than a little crazy.  Is this true?  No, but this doesn’t stop people from thinking it.

Sure you can say you have a cat.  You can even tell him his name.  But for the love of god don’t pull out your phone and start showing him your virtual photo album filled with hundreds of photos of your favorite little furball.  If you want to have a second date it’s a bad idea.  So save the video of you and Mr. Fluffy doing your rendition of Sonny & Cher’s “I Got You Babe” (complete with costumes) for another day.

4) DON’T’ WEAR TOO MUCH EYE MAKEUP

The smartest thing Charlie Sheen ever said was in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.  Charlie said:

“You wear too much eye makeup.  My sister wears too much.  People think she’s a whore.”

This is the only time you’ll hear me say this but…Charlie Sheen is right.

FACT:  most men prefer women to look more natural.  It’s true.  Sure you want to look nice and make an effort.  Just tone it down a little.  There are, obviously, certain subcultures to which this standard doesn’t apply…so if you’re goth or punk then disregard this advice. But in general, less is more.

REMEMBER:  You’re going on a date, not to a KISS concert.

5) DON’T LET ALL YOUR WEIRD OUT AT ONCE

I know at first blush this sounds insulting but I swear it’s not.  Allow me to explain:

Brian & I’s first date was awkward (as most first dates are) complete with long pauses, stammering and shoe gazing.  Now imagine if, during that awkwardness I put all my cards on the table:

“So…I’m a cancer survivor which gave me PTSD which expresses itself as OCD & the occasional panic attack both of which I’m getting control of…I treat my cat better than I treat most people…I believe in aliens & UFOs…I used to live in a van and travel around the country working renaissance festivals…dead people talk to me…I talk to myself using foreign accents…I’m afraid of giant squid…I say hi to random animals (“Hi little birdy”)…I believe in bigfoot & The Roswell cover-up…I’m obsessed with The Monkees, Adam Ant, England, zombies & ghosts…I take the day off when a Bob Hope marathon comes on Turner Classic Movies…I’ve seen a freakishly large number of people set their faces on fire…my college roommate was arrested for murdering her father…I only allow non-toxic cleaners in my home…I am a massive sci-fi geek & I craft like a woman possessed.”

And that’s just the tip of the weird-o iceberg.  Imagine if I had bombarded him with all that info from the get go?  He would have run for the hills.  It would have been overwhelming!  I’m not saying you should hide who you are.  Hell no.  What I am saying is that you shouldn’t beat him over the head with all your adorable & odd little quirks.

Throwing them all out there at once makes you sound crazy.  Getting to know you and learning about your eccentricities a few at a time makes you (and all that weirdness) endearing.

So what about you? 
Do you have any first date advice? 
What are your dos and don’ts? 
Do you have a first date horror story? 
Do tell, do tell! 
And good luck on your next first date. *wink*

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images ::  via photoree  ::  via tampabay.com  ::  via thecampuscompanion.com  ::  evil broccoli – ilie ciorba  ::  crazy cat lady: the early years – katie harris  ::  via scene.sg  ::  weird girls – kitty von-sometime  ::

The post 5 Things not to do on a First Date appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

“Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.”

- Marilyn vos Savant

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image ::  never never give up – Mr. Brain Wash & Joey Zanotti

The post The Truth About Giving Up appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

I AM SUPER EXCITED to tell you I am the newest member of the Chloe + Isabel team!  Not only that (as though that weren’t enough) but I’m hosting a Be Your Own Valentine pop-up shop on Facebook.  The shop will be open today (February 8) through Sunday February 10.  And to celebrate my official grand opening, every person who buys a brilliant bit of bling will be entered to win an Amazon gift card…there might even be a chance to score some free Chloe + Isabel jewelry.

Can I get a “Woohoo?”

I would appreciate it so much if you would like my new Chloe + Isabel Facebook page and then swing by Be Your Own Valentine to join in the fun.

I KNOW SOME OF YOU ARE WORRIED that this new venture of mine will change Kisses & Chaos, that all my posts will be one big sales pitch or that I won’t give Kisses & Chaos the time and love it deserves.

I PROMISE neither of these scenarios will happen.  Sure I might give a little heads up if there’s a sale or I might wear a bracelet or necklace for a fashion post but that’s it.  I’m not going to beat you over the head with it.

And as far as not giving Kisses & Chaos all the love I have?

Not a chance.

Part of the reason Chloe + Isabel was a good fit for me is because I can still dedicate my time and energy to you, my art & my reiki (not to mention I genuinely love the jewelry).  Everything you see here is, pretty much a labor of love.  All my various creative endeavors (Kisses & Chaos included) don’t pay the bills.  Most of what income they generate covers operating expenses.  In order to keep the doors open here I had to branch out.  As a member of the Chloe + Isabel team I work for myself.  This allows me the luxury of being able to continue to pursue my passions and dreams and keep giving you all the beauty and weirdness I have to offer…something a 9-5 gig simply wouldn’t permit me.

PLEASE KNOW that I will always stay true to my vision of not only Kisses & Chaos, but my art, my photography and my life.  I love the family we have here and I would never ever want to do anything to lose that.

You all are truly the bee’s knees.

If you have any questions about Chloe + Isabel (like how you can get free jewelry by hosting a pop-up party of your very own…yup…free jewelry for throwing a party), Kisses & Chaos or anything else that comes to mind please don’t hesitate to ask by emailing me here.

Thank you all for your support, encouragement and understanding.

Sending you mad love.

Great Big Kisses & Oodles of Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images :: © chloe + isabel & © 2013 alli woods frederick

The post Be Your Own Valentine! appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Attention to all the would-be Martha Stewarts (who I gained massive amounts of respect for after seeing her on Conan doing this) out there:

If you’re doing the DIY thing for Valentine’s Day and are looking for those little finishing touches, those small details that turn your sweet treats into polished pieces of prettiness worthy of Mrs. Stewart herself then grab my free straw & cupcake flags.

You can choose between Lovey-Dovey Pink, Screw Valentine’s Day Grey or Racy Red for all you naughty minxes in the house.

SUPPLIES:

• printer
• white cardstock
• scissors
• non-toxic glue stick
• toothpicks and/or straws

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Download the free flags here & print them out on plain white cardstock
• Cut out as many flags as needed
• Swipe the back (the white side) with the glue stick (I like to leave the space in the middle where the straw or toothpick will go free of glue so I can reposition the straw or toothpick if need be)
• Position the straw/toothpick where you want it on the flag
• Fold the flag over, matching up the ends and press the glued sides together
• Place the straws in a decorative vase or glass
• Place the toothpicks in the cupcakes
• Enjoy the cuteness/sarcasm/dirty thoughts

You can download the complete set (including the heart “doily”) here.

Are you planning on using these for Valentine’s Day?  I would love to see your creations.  Feel free to share your photos over on my facebook page and show the world your creative handy work.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images :: © 2013 alli woods frederick. all rights reserved.  using any images without express written consent is not only illegal but it will make me get all mean and nasty.

The post Free Valentine’s Day Straw & Cupcake Flags appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images ::  wisconsin rurality – loren zemlicka  ::  no.17 elm mott barn – junga  ::   waiting – olli kekalainen  ::   another late night drive – john ryan  ::  under the same sky – loren zemblicka  ::  pinhole barn – darren constantino  ::  

The post Wordless Wednesday: A Little Bit Country appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

As an avid fan of black nail polish for 20-ish years it pains me to admit this, but I have found the best shade of nail polish EVER…and it’s not black, nor is it grey (another of my wardrobe staples) or any variation therein.

It’s blue.

It’s not just any old blue.  It’s the perfect shade of blue…it’s Tiffany Blue…the best, most beautiful shade of blue in all the universe (and not just because of the little flips your heart makes when get one of their pretty little boxes all tied up with white ribbon).

I SWEAR TIFFANY BLUE ALTERS YOUR BRAIN CHEMISTRY, sending serotonin coursing through your brain to create a wave of happy gooiness that washes through you.  Not to mention it’s universally flattering.  I’ve yet to encounter a skin tone it doesn’t compliment.  I double dog dare you to prove me wrong.  Even I, a freakishly fair skinned redhead, can wear it and when you have my coloring it’s hard to find shades that don’t make you look sickly, ruddy or just completely washed out.

I saw Chanel’s Nouvelle Vague a few years ago but I have a hard time justifying dropping that kind of coin (around $27) on nail polish…the occasional lipstick or mascara, sure, but nail polish?

Hell no.

I’m way too hard on my nails.  My manicures last 3 days max before they’re chipped all to hell…and that’s if I manage to not break one of them first.  I don’t know why that is…it’s not like I’m wrestling bears in my spare time.  I write, paint and take photos for crying out loud.  But somehow during those insane, no holds barred writing jags I manage to beat the ever loving crap out of my nails.  Go figure.

Unwilling to spend the dosh on Chanel’s polish I thought all was lost…that I was to never know the joy of adorning my nails with my most beloved shade of blue.

Enter China Glaze’s “For Audrey.”

It’s an absolute godsend.  Seriously.  I bought every bottle they had at Ulta and I keep checking back for more.  The price is fantastic.  The polish goes on nice and thick and has this magical self-leveling quality that I’ve never encountered with another polish…and it’s Tiffany Blue.

Be still my heart.

Now I can have breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and cocktails at Tiffany’s.  All I need to do is look down at my perfectly polished fingers.  You, China Glaze, have made this girl very, very happy.

(and no, this isn’t a sponsored post.  I just really freakin’ love this nail polish.  For realsies.)

Perfect Blue Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

credits ::  “For Audrey” by China Glaze from Ulta  ::  Bracelets provided by Chloe + Isabel  ::  Studded skull from Michaels  ::  Texas mug from Book People, Austin, Texas  ::

images :: © 2013 alli woods frederick.  all rights reserved, so please don’t be sucky and use them without permission, okay?

The post The Best Shade of Nail Polish Ever. appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

I found out that there weren’t too many limitations, if I did it my way.

- Johnny Cash

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images ::  source unknown

The post The Real Secret To Success appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I’m foregoing the too-time-consuming-for-a-perfectionist Project 365 for the more manageable Project 52 – a photo a week for a year.  Instead of posting every single week I’ve decided to post the images once a month.  If you don’t want to wait a month because you’re the curious sort, I’ll be updating the Project 52 page weekly-ish (although I haven’t posted there for the past week.  I know.  Shame on me).

I must say I’m digging this way more than the 365.  365 seemed like a chore…whereas this seems more like a creative exercise, which makes a world of difference when it comes to actually completing the project.  I really want to see this through.

Okay.  Enough babbling.  Enjoy.

Project 52:  No. 1-4

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images ::  all images © 2013 alli woods frederick.  all rights reserved, so don’t do anything sucky like use them without written permission by me, okay?

PS – Don’t forget 28 Days of Intense Gratitude starts today.  It’s not too late to join in.  Get all the details here and make sure to join the discussion on my facebook page.  Let’s get our joy on!

The post Project 52: January Photos appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

This is what happens when Ockham meets Menachem*. 

Uber-geeky Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

*hop on down to the section titled “In rabbinic literature of the Middle Ages” for an explanation of who Menachem is.

PS – If you want to participate in 28 Days of Intense Gratitude it starts tomorrow, so pop down to your local bookstore and grab your copy of The Gift today.  No idea what I’m talking about?  Get the details here.

image ::  screen shot taken from Yahoo Answers  ::

The post The Theory & Theology of Shaving appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images ::  chair – pieter musterd  ::  minimalist chair – cuba gallery  ::  chairs – allen rendell  ::  chair on a hill – tara badcock  ::  chair – howard worf  ::  chairs – atsje bosna-prins  ::  chair. empty – erik barfoed  ::

The post Wordless Wednesday: Pull Up A Chair appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

SO YOU AREN’T A FAN OF WINTER and all it entails (grey skies, cold weather, dry skin, days spent inside)…and right now you’re stuck in the thick of it.  It can cause a bit of a funk for some (and even outright depression, known as SAD, for others).

Need a boost?  A way to beat the winter doldrums?

Here are 20 tips to defeat the that wicked winter…and all it entails…

1) GIVE YOUR BATH TIME A BOOST:  Add a couple of drops of a relaxing essential oil like lavender to your bath water.  Lavender promotes rest and relaxation and has the added benefit of antibacterial and anti-fungal qualities.  Just make sure it’s essential oil and not perfume oil to reap the benefits.  You can also pop a Lush Bath Bomb in the tub for a delicious smelling bath that moisturizes your skin like nobody’s business.

2) SLATHER ON SOME MOISTURE:  Dry winter weather + hot baths and showers = desert dry skin.  So treat yourself to some yummy moisturizer.  You can add some of that lavender oil to almond or jojoba oil for a rich, skin nourishing treat or you can try one of my favorites for both its moisture, scent and price: Johnson & Johnson’s Honey Apple Baby Lotion.

3) GREET THE DAY WITH A SUN SALUTATION:  Movement does a great job of boosting the mood and getting the blood pumping…and yoga is both relaxing and invigorating.  Bonus!

4) GIVE SALLOW SKIN A BOOST: Try a purple primer, yes purple.  Smashbox’s Photo Finish Color Correcting Primer in Balance gets rave reviews.

5) TAKE A 20 MINUTE VACATION: Did you know your mind doesn’t distinguish between reality & fantasy?  So why not reap the rewards?  Use that beautiful brain of yours and engage in some vivid daydreaming.  Take that relaxing sun soaked walk on the beach you’ve been longing to take without leaving the comfort of your couch.

6) PRETTY AS A PICTURE:  Did you know looking at beautiful pictures of landscapes actually improves your mood?  I’m pretty sure adorable photos of baby animals has the same affect.  Give it a try next time you’re feeling blah.

7) HAVE MORE NOOKIE:  There’s a reason the birth rate is so high during September and October…I’m just sayin’…

8) LEARN TO MAKE THE PERFECT HOT TODDIE:  Perfect when you’re under the weather, need to take the chill off (it’s freakin’ freezing outside!), or just unwind after a long winter’s day.

9) GET YOUR CRAFT ON:  I don’t know about you but I achieve an almost near perfect Zen state when my hands are busy creating.  I become relaxed and happy.  So try out a new craft or an old favorite.  You not only get to relax but you get the added perk of having a tangible little bit of beauty to enjoy when you’re finished.

10) LEARN HOW TO YODEL:  Not really…your neighbors would kill you.

11) DETOX YOUR WARDROBE:  Get your closet ready for spring with a complete closet rehab.  You can try the old hanger trick (although it takes a while to actually clean your closet using this system) or follow these tips (but not the part about renting a storage unit for you clothes…let’s be practical about this…) to detox your wardrobe lickety split.

12) SNUGGLE WITH YOUR FAVORITE FOUR LEGGED FUR BALL:  Spending some quality snuggle time with your pet is good for your health.  It can lower blood pressure and boost your mood…as though you need an excuse to dote on your cute little fur babies.

13) SHED SOME LIGHT ON THE PROBLEM:  Most of us get a little vitamin D deficient in the winter since we don’t get as much sun exposure.  This can have a serious impact on our energy levels as well as our health and mood…it can even trigger migraines in some people.  15 minutes of direct sunlight on unprotected (that means no sunscreen) skin gives us all the D we need.  If you can’t bear the cold for those 15 minutes then talk to your doctor and pharmacist about adding a good supplement to your diet.

14) GET SOME SHUT EYE:  Sleep.  Yup.  Sleep.  You need it and odds are you don’t get enough of it.  Those cold grey days are perfect for curling up with a blanket for a little nap time.  Turn your 32 winks into the full 40.

15) PERK UP YOUR POUT:  At the risk of sounding simple and shallow, try a new shade of lipstick, one you’d never consider in a million years.  I despise the color orange but found a bright orange lipstick that I love…and it actually looks great on me.  I feel more attractive when I wear it…and who doesn’t like to feel pretty?  It’s one of the cheapest and easiest blah busters out there.

16) BOOK IT:  Re-read a favorite book.  I love to read Phillip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series in winter.  There’s something comforting about revisiting some old friends.

17) BREATH SOME LIFE INTO YOUR DÉCOR:  Revamp your space by switching out old pillows and throws for new ones in vibrant colors.  It’s proven that color affects our mood so create a happier home with a simple accessory swap.

18) DELETE THE DRAMA:  Weed out the drama queens on Facebook and twitter.  If all they do is spread negativity and piss you off then why keep them around?  If it’s someone you can’t delete (like an in-law or boss) without creating an issue then at least hide them from your feed and customize your post settings so they don’t see your updates.  They can’t crap all over something they can’t see.  Remember: less stress = more happiness.

19) BAKE COOKIES:  The smell of cookies baking alters your brain.  Hand to god it does.  Why do you think realtors use this trick when they host an open house?  The smell makes people feel happy and safe.  Oh…eating them makes you pretty happy too.  *wink*

20) HUG IT OUT:  We all need to be touched.  Seriously.  A lack of skin to skin contact and interaction has all sorts of ramifications on our health and development.  So go hug.  It’s the easiest way to not only receive but to give love and affection as well.

And above all remember:  spring’s almost here.  Hang in there!

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images ::  winter landscape – cuba gallery  ::  via netinterior.com  ::  landscape – cuba gallery  ::  via vcstar  ::  via glitter rush cosmetics  ::  rock and roll party queen – mari moon  ::

The post 20 Ways to Beat the Winter Blahs appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

“Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”

- Marilyn Monroe

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images ::  steve meisel for vogue italia

The post Why good things fall apart appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

I know you know this, but I like it and I think it’s pretty so I thought I’d share it…even though it makes me feel a little on the dizzy side.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image ::  via the hipsters blog  ::

The post Stating the obvious. appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

The best works of art are the ones that stir something deep inside…something lost, forgotten and defying description, like some long dissolved dream that sits like a bleary indistinguishable fog in the recesses of your mind…they move you to tears…and you’ve no idea why.

Those. Those are the creations that stay with you, embedding themselves in that lost tangle of mist and dust waiting to be awakened again.

Thus concludes today’s session of “Alli Waxes Poetic.”

Thank you.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image :: anna akhmatova by joel-peter witkin

The post The true beauty of art. appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

*WARNING*

If you are easily grossed out then you should probably avert your eyes and close this tab in your browser immediately because what follows is really, really gross.  It’s not gory or violent but it is absolutely nasty.  You’ve been warned.

What is that, you ask?  Guess.

Go on.

Guess.

I hate to tell you but it’s exactly what you think it is…it’s a ring made with gold and human skin (and hair.  Yum!).

This disgusting creation, misleadingly named the “Forget Me Knot,” comes to us courtesy of Icelandic/Israeli fashion designer Sruli Recht, who is known for making, um, interesting fashions that raise eyebrows, not unlike the controversial works of Robert Mapplethorpe (a sheath made from the skin of 27 still born lambs?  shoes made from whale foreskins?  shawls dyed with ram’s blood?).

It is made from skin he had surgically removed from his own abdomen which was then salted, tanned and applied to the ring.

We’ve all come to expect quirkiness from Iceland.  After all they gave us Bjork and they believe in fairies, but this goes way beyond quirky and into the realm of creepy-as-hell.

Too bad it’s not 1998…this most grievous fashion don’t would have had Angelina Jolie scrambling to get her hands on it as the perfect compliment to her blood-filled vial necklace. 

Coco Chanel once said “Before you leave your house, remove the last thing you put on, as it is generally unnecessary.”

I pray to God that whatever fashion victim shells out the ludicrous €350,000 for this monstrosity puts this ring on as they head to the front door…and then heeds Coco’s advice.

What do you think?  Work of art or weird for weirdnesses sake?   Would you wear it or would you rather amputate your hand first?

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image via design taxi

The post Skin Ring – A Fashion Don’t appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images ::  via hemline quarterly  ::  via  Hoover’s Corner  ::  via the roaring twenties  ::  via Mr. Bello’s Blog  ::  via crafty dogma  ::  via memoria vintage  :: 

The post Wordless Wednesday: Flappers appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

LOVE.  It’s such an amazing whirlwind…an awesome adventure that makes your pulse race.  He’s/she’s all you think about.  He makes you giddy.  He makes your heart soar.

And then it happens – the inevitable crash.

Something’s changed.  It’s not all sunshine, rainbows and ponies anymore.  How do you know if you should ride out the rough patch or if it’s time to call it quits?  Is your relationship over?  Here are 5 signs that your relationship is on the rocks & it may be time to call it quits.

1) You let his calls go to voicemail

Remember how you used to wait in breathless anticipation for the phone to ring?  Remember how you used to be so disappointed when it wasn’t that special someone on the other line?  Yeah. Those were the days.

Now when he/she calls you let it go to voicemail.  You’ll call back when you’re done watching the American Horror Story episode you missed last week.

This is not a good sign.

If you do it once or twice that’s fine.  We’re all guilty of it sometimes.  But if you find you’re blowing off phone calls for any and every reason possible, well…let’s just say that the characters on American Horror Story aren’t the only things dying…so is your relationship.

Are you taking the relationship for granted or has it become more trouble than it’s worth?

2) You argue A Lot

It should be obvious why this means there’s a problem.  Sure we all disagree sometimes about whether to grab some sushi or Mexican, whether to watch a zombie movie or an action film but if you find small disagreements are turning into full blown raging scream-fests, then you’ve got a problem.

You may be arguing about the little things because there’s a larger issue you’re not addressing.  If so, suck it up and address it already, while you can still salvage the relationship.  But what if that’s not the case?

Are you discovering you just aren’t compatible or are you looking for excuses to get your knickers in a knot?  Either way, it’s not good.

NOTE:  The only time this doesn’t apply is if your relationship is argumentative straight out of the gate.  If you both thrive on wild arguments and passionate make ups then this doesn’t apply.  But be forewarned: relationships that are big on drama don’t have good track records.  That level of passion is very hard to maintain.  You may put the “fun” in dysfunctional but I wouldn’t count on your story ending with “happily ever after.”   Sid & Nancy, anyone?

3) Your gettin’ it on has got up and went

Okay.  It’s time to face facts.  Every single relationship in the history of relationships has its dry spells in the bedroom.  Every.  Single.  One.  Life sometimes gets the best of us.  Whether it’s stress, illness, extra hours at the office or just a natural dip in hormones everyone goes through a time when sex gets put on the back burner.  It happens.  So how do you know when it’s a serious problem?

If you want to get busy…just not with your partner then you’ve got a problem.

If it’s a matter of stress, hormones or any of the other normal libido squashing issues and it’s causing friction then discuss it.  But if you’ve lost interest in him specifically then do both of you a favor:

Be honest about it and above all don’t cheat.

Tell him how you’re feeling.  Who knows, maybe talking about it will help improve your relationship…or maybe you’ll both decide it’s time to move on.  Whatever the outcome, you owe it to each other to be honest.

4) Everything he does drives you crazy

…And I don’t mean in a good way.

I knew it was over with one of my ex’s when I found myself getting really, really annoyed with his breathing.  He wasn’t a loud breather or a mouth breather…it was the mere act of him inhaling and exhaling.  I could hear it and I hated it.  It made me want to hold a pillow over his face.  No lie.  It was that bad.  I also started getting annoyed with how he walked.  He was heavy on his feet.  I’m ashamed to admit it but I was relieved when he sprained his ankles and had to use crutches for a month.  Finally a reprieve from his incessant stomping and lumbering about!  (Not one of my proudest or most compassionate moments, but there it is.)  Our relationship was an absolute nightmare.  To this day I have no idea why we stayed together for as long as we did.  Needless to say he and I did not remain friends.

When little things like the way he breathes, walks, folds his socks or says “irregardless” make you want to commit unspeakable acts of torture and terror then it may be time to move on.

Things might get better (we all get on each other’s nerves from time to time)…or you might go insane from all the pent up rage.  If you’re to the point where you’re pretty sure you could justify homicide (no jury would convict you if they could just see the way he eats…he’s such a pig!) then it might be in both parties best interest if you cut your losses and move on to greener and less infuriating pastures.  Who knows…you might even be able to work things out while you’re apart…but if you’re together and overflowing with disgust and resentment then nothing will ever get resolved.

5)  You quit planning for your future together

In the beginning you would talk about road trips you were going to take together.  You’d talk about all the adventures the two of you would have…hand in hand, conquering the world one off ramp at a time.  You were excited about your future together.  But what about now?

Do spend more time planning personal escapes than interesting escapades for the two of you to share?

If you’re not thinking about your future together then it might mean you’ve emotionally checked out of the relationship.  If you aren’t looking forward to your future then how do you really feel about your present?

Are you so bogged down by the day to day tasks that you simply don’t have the energy to invest in planning or daydreams?

Bills, problems at works and the stresses of day to day living can sometimes suck the joy out of the happiest of relationships for a little while.  It happens.  That is a problem that can be overcome with some time and a little tlc.

But what if you simply don’t envision having a life together?  What do you do then?

It’s time for an honest conversation…first with yourself and then with your partner.  You need to really think about what you want…and if it’s not him then it’s time to let him go.  It’s not fair to either of you to stay together only to be miserable.  You both deserve to be happy and if you aren’t happy together and you can’t make it work no matter how hard you try then it’s time to move on.

Remember: there is no such thing as a perfect relationship.

They all take work…all of them.  We all deserve to be with someone who loves and supports us.  But when it’s all said and done, only you know if your relationship is worth saving or if it’s time to let go and move on.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

NOTE:  Abuse of any kind is NEVER okay in a relationship, whether it’s physical, emotional or verbal.  If you are being abused and need help there are a number of resources and hotlines available.  Please seek help immediately.  You can have a better life.  No one deserves to be abused.  No one.

Domestic Abuse Information and Hotlines:

• Abuse Victim Hotline (free legal advice and counsel)
  Phone: toll free: 877-448-8678
• Between Friends
  Phone: (800) 603-HELP, (800) 603-4357
• National Domestic Violence Hotline
  Phone: (800) 799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233), (800) 787-3224 (TTY)
• Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network
  Phone: (800) 656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673)

Learn more about domestic and dating abuse by following this link.

Do you have a question about your relationship, photography, reiki or the paranormal?  Do you want my advice?  Feel free to shoot me an email using the contact form below and your question might be featured on Kisses & Chaos. (And don’t worry about your privacy.  I would never betray your trust by blasting your name or any identifying information across the interweb.  Questions will be posted anonymously.)

images ::  via examiner.com  ::  Lady Gaga  ::  via uncyclopedia.com  ::  via eharmony  ::  via crazymamadrama  ::  via divorcedwomenonline.com  ::  via cafeyuppie  ::  via marcandangel.com  ::

*DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical or relationship expert. If you are in need of help please contact a medical professional. This article is intended for entertainment purposes only & is not intended to provide professional advice of any kind. Kisses & Chaos and Alli Woods Frederick are not liable for any loss, damages, etc. that may arise from reading Kisses & Chaos. Please read the complete disclaimer here.

The post 5 Signs your relationship is on the rocks appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

If you’re a crafter, artist, blogger or have some other clever and completely kick ass site or product you want to flaunt, let me help you get the word out.  Become a Kisses & Chaos sponsor.

You get a handy dandy ad in the size of your choosing in my lovely little sidebar right over here with all sorts of little perks and shout outs.

Interested?

Get all the details here.

I can’t wait to have you as a member of the Kisses & Chaos family!

Kisses  & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image :: gossip! via tempus volat  ::

The post Want the world to know you’re awesome? appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

“Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric.”

- Bertrand Russell

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image :: isabella blow by steven meisel

The post The truth about eccentricity appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

It’s one of those days when, even if every single one of those cups were filled to the brim with espresso it still wouldn’t be enough caffeine.  I’m having a hard time getting motivated.  I am draaaaaaaaging ass in a big way.  Where’s a bucket of B vitamins when you need them?  But we’re going to pretend I’m resting up for the weekend so I don’t feel quite so sloth-like & gross.  Okay?  Thanks for humoring me. *wink*

• I have long been a fan of shrinky dinks and have, over the years, made more than my fair share of necklaces out of them…but rings?  Shrinky dink rings?  Oh yes.
• If someone can put their finger on why this article made me and a slew of other women feel so weird and really irritated I would be grateful.  I’ve tried to pinpoint why it evokes such a negative response but just can’t quite seem to figure it out.
• I just discovered the photography of Nicholas Scarpinato and I am totally digging it.
• Proof that not everyone in politics is a stiff, boring old codger with no sense of humor and bad taste.  Mad love to you, Paul Shawcross, Chief of the Science and Space Branch at the White House Office of Management and Budget…mad love to you.
• Did you catch the Golden Globes last weekend?  I did…and boy was I disappointed.  I usually watch for the gorgeous gowns but they seemed to be in short supply.  Overall I was underwhelmed.  There were a few standouts like Jennifer Garner, Jessica Alba, Michelle Dockery and Kelly Osbourne but mostly the gowns were awkwardly styled, trendy and ill-fitting.  What do you think?
• Have you ever wondered how to create the purrrfect (yeah I said it) cat eye?  Wonder no more.  This tutorial has you covered.
• This photo series based on people’s tweets is fascinating.
• Chubby book.  Gimme.
• It’s no secret I have a deep and abiding love for Bruce Campbell.  I flipped for him when I saw him in Evil Dead II oh so many years ago.  Naturally my head almost exploded with rage when I found out Sam Raimi is remaking the cult film classic.  Color me appalled & disappointed.  Tsk tsk, Sam Raimi.  Tsk tsk.
• No idea what the hell Evil Dead is?  Here’s the original trailer.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images  ::  the magic cups – nicholas scarpinato  :: 

The post I’m a sloth + Little Links o’ Love appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

In 2009 I decided to flex my creative muscles by undertaking a rigorous photo project, Project 365.  It involved taking a photo a day, every day, for a year.  I only made it through 2 months.  While I loved the challenge I simply couldn’t keep it up since I was working a full time job in a cubicle gig and had just started dating my husband.  It quickly fell by the wayside.

Enter Project 52

Project 52 is an abbreviated version of Project 365.  Instead of a photo a day I’m taking one photo a week for a year, which seems way more manageable.  I’ll be posting them here on the Project 52 page so you can follow along.

If you want to join me or if you’re already doing your own Project 52 leave a note in the comments with a link to your photos.  I want to create a list of other 52-er’s so we can stay connected and check out each other’s creations.  There are also flickr groups dedicated to Project 52 where you can share, network and get a little inspiration.  And if you’re worried about being behind, don’t be. It’s never too late to start…you can either shoot a few extras to catch up or just start now and end a few weeks into 2014.  There’s no rule that says you have to start on January 1st.  I’m currently posting mine a week after I shoot them so I have plenty of time to edit and make them just so.

Here are my shots for weeks 1 & 2:

This time I’m making no excuses…instead I’m making a promise to myself:

I hereby promise I will finish Project 52.

You’re my witness.  If I don’t finish you have my permission to publicly shame me, call me out, point your finger, make me wear a red clown nose all day…you get the idea.

Here goes nothing!

52 Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

ps – Don’t forget to leave your Project 52 (or Project 365 for that matter) links in the comments!

images:  © 2013 alli woods frederick all rights reserved.

The post Stop or I’ll shoot: Project 52 appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images::  cabin/fog/forest – rudolf vicek  ::  fog rolls in – shari-lynn  ::  road/fog – rudolf vicek  ::  endless fog – franco della dora  ::   rolling fog – yuekou  ::  golden fog in padua – jarmi  ::  fog – tommy au  ::  fog light – jeffrey johnson  ::

The post Wordless Wednesday–The Fog Rolls In appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Have you ever noticed the suggestions that pop up when you search on google?  Sure you have.  Have you ever noticed how weird some of them are?  Google turns up some seriously funny search suggestions.  Yesterday I was looking up “negative effects of burdock root” when the internet giant made some rather telling suggestions.  I had to share them.  So with that I give you:
 

Google is…

High

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image: © 2013 Kisses & Chaos

The post Google’s Dirty Little Secret appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Just a quick note:  I’m over at the fabulous and love filled Kind Over Matter today writing about the beauty of recognizing each other’s importance as part of their Kind Kindred series.

If you aren’t familiar with the truly awe inspiring work that Amanda creates in her joy filled corner of the internet, I highly recommend you pay her a visit.  She is a shining example of how to live life with a heart full of love and joy.  I promise you’ll dig her and the loving light she sends streaming through the digiverse.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images  ::  healing hands – mooyo neimar  ::

The post Spreadin’ Some Love at Kind Over Matter appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Several months ago I picked up Rhonda Byrne‘s book “The Magic.”  This tiny tome is a 28 day practice of extreme gratitude…which she calls “the magic” (cheesy, I know, but just roll with it).  I started reading it and putting the exercises into practice but then life and business got in the way and it fell by the wayside.

This is where you come in.

Starting February 1st I’m going to start “the magic” all over again and I want you to join me.  Let’s see what kind of awesomeness we can create over the course of 28 days.  I’m telling you this now so you have ample time to grab a copy of the book (you can pick it up for next to nothing on Amazon).  Just make sure you start reading it a day or two before we start so you’ll be ready.

If you’re interested in joining me, pop over to my facebook page where we can talk all about it.  I want to make gratitude a stronger force in my daily life and I’m hoping that this concentrated course in gratitude will help me transform it into the best new habit ever.

I can’t wait to start walking in love and telling the universe “thank you” with every sunrise and sunset.  I hope you’ll join me in creating a more beautiful world, not just for ourselves, but for others.

Let’s see how much magic we can create.

Gratitude Filled Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images  ::  magic! – sean lancaster

The post 28 Days of Intense Gratitude appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Stolen from the Screen

There are movies that I watch from time to time purely to draw style inspiration from them.  Movies that have such rich set or costume designs that I find myself wanting to move onto the movie set or steal the entire offerings of the wardrobe department.   Obviously neither of these are very practical (or realistic) solutions for my design lust, which is precisely why I’m starting this new series, Stolen From The Screen – style inspirations stolen from the big & little screens.

First on the lust list is Practical Magic.  I know, I know…I admit that it is a far cry from a life changing, eye opening cinematic experience.  In all honesty, it’s pretty bland and predictable.  But what the movie lacks in compelling storytelling it more than makes up for in set design.

The soft, aged creamy white that fills each room, the antiques scattered about, the battered wood, the old weathered books, the accents of copper & iron, aged mortar & pestles filled with the homegrown herbs that are drying in the kitchen and bottles of various mysterious tinctures filling the cabinets…the history, warmth & curiosities just make me want to climb into the house, pull up a cauldron & get to casting some spells.

Practical Magic

1 – antique parisian opera glasses  ::  2 – girl in a dress   ::   3 – amber bottles   ::  4 – vintage cutting board    ::  5 – encyclopedia of 5000 spells    ::   6 – natural branch shaker flat broom    ::  7 – copper & tin cloche    ::  8 – vintage wood crate  ::  9 – vintage spice box  ::  10 – brass mortar & pestle  ::  11 – jasper dining chair

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image::  the owens sisters – laura jane tolton  ::  via polaroid cupcake   ::  via bohemea

The post Bewitching Decor Inspired by Practical Magic appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images  ::  retro vintage circus – cuba gallery  ::  cirque du soleil – jonas peterson  ::  zirkus – circus – thomas totz  ::  los angeles/circus – cuba gallery  ::  circus disco – ryan schude  ::  julia – saga sigurdardottir  ::  what I’m trying to say – raquel  ::  epilogo – joker74  ::

The post Under the Big Top appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

What the hell is golden milk?

Well…it’s an ancient ayurvedic treatment made of turmeric & honey with health benefits out the yin yang…and it’s insanely delicious.  At least I think so.  My honey took a tiny tiny tiny sip and gagged, but he can be a bit on the dramatic side when trying new foods.  Okay.  He can be a lot on the dramatic side, so don’t let his reaction deter you.  I promise it was completely unwarranted.  (I honestly think he did it to get my goat since I’m always trying some new healthy this or that which he finds completely silly…you should have seen what happened when he tasted kombucha which is a very acquired taste.) I think it’s delicious.

Golden milk tastes like heaven (a slight exaggeration).

It resembles eggnog or a less spicy chai tea in flavor.  It’s sweet with just enough spice to it to keep it interesting.   Drink it hot or cold – either way it’s magically delicious.

HEALTH BENEFITS* OF GOLDEN MILK

• helps with digestion & aids the liver (heart burn, gas, ulcers, etc)
• skin conditions (acne, eczema, psoriasis, etc)
• immune system (infections, cancer, bronchitis, etc)
• joint health
• blood sugar
• heart health (high blood pressure, cholesterol, etc)
• reproductive health in women

Turmeric is an amazingly potent antioxidant.  I don’t think I need to tell you the health benefits of antioxidants, do I?  You should be forewarned:  if you are pregnant you should avoid consuming extra turmeric since it encourages menstruation and uterine contractions (which you obviously don’t want while you’re pregnant).

GOLDEN MILK RECIPE

This is my personal modified (read as milder) golden milk recipe from the traditional and makes 4 servings (to make more just double the recipe as needed).  But don’t worry – if you want a more traditional version I’ve provided those instructions too.

• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 cup water

Combine these in a saucepan and bring to a boil until it starts to thicken a little (about 10 minutes).  Don’t forget to stir.  Turn the heat down and mix in:

• 4 cups unsweetened almond milk
• a dash of nutmeg
• a smaller dash of cinnamon
• vanilla extract (I base the amount on smell…you should smell the vanilla but it shouldn’t be overwhelming.  If you prefer you could eliminate this step and buy vanilla almond milk instead.)
• bring it to a very low simmer
• turn off the heat and stir in 4 tbs honey (of your choice…I like raw or orange blossom.  If you think honey is honey then try orange blossom honey and prepare to be blown away.  Vegans or anti-honey people:  feel free to substitute with maple syrup, but please note that honey adds to the antibacterial properties of the turmeric.)
• ladle out a cup and enjoy.  The rest can be bottled and tossed in the fridge.

Now for the traditional recipe (this makes a large amount of turmeric paste which can be refrigerated for future use):

• 1/4 cup of turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper
• 1/2 cup of water

Add to a saucepan, mixing well, over medium/high heat until it thickens to a paste.  let cool, can & store.

• 1 cup of milk (or milk substitute if you don’t consume dairy)
• 1 teaspoon almond oil, ghee or olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon or more of turmeric paste

Combine in a saucepan and almost bring it to a boil.  Add honey to taste.

[traditional recipe credit: wise woman weblog]

I haven’t tried the second recipe so let me know if you give it a go.  Making golden milk really is the simplest thing ever…and to think there are juice bars & health food stores that sell this stuff for upwards of $9 per bottle.  It took all of 15 minutes to make and costs next to nothing (certainly not $9 per cup!).  Cha-ching!  That’s money that can be used towards something like…oh…I don’t know…shoes, maybe? *wink*

Now go make your tummy (and the rest of you!) happy & healthy.  (And seriously, if you find yourself gagging, my honey would like to know.  So please – I can’t believe I’m asking this…so gross – report back if you do.)

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image::  via anton health  ::  turmeric – courriel vert  ::  via medicine room  ::  by yours truly  ::

*I am not a medical professional.    This article is for entertainment purposes only.  This is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical conditions/illnesses, nor is it meant to replace any current treatments or medications that are prescribed by your physician for a current medical condition.  Please consult a medical professional before use.  For more information about turmeric, its side effects & drug interactions visit WebMD & talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

The post Make Your Own Golden Milk appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

“You can be a juicy, ripe peach and there’s still going to be someone who doesn’t like peaches, so you can either submit to someone’s criticism of you, or you can get on with the business of being your own amazing self…”

-Dita Von Teese

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image: Dita Von Teese for Cointreau

The post Dita Von Teese on the Subject of Being a Juicy Peach appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

“It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.  We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?  Actually, who are you not to be?…Your playing small does not serve the world…And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”

- Marianne Williamson

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image:  scattered light – jim campbell

The post What Are We Truly Afraid Of? appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Kisses &  Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images::  Radcliffe Square  – james lyon  ::  via paul  ::   paris in snow  ::  paris snow  ::  first snow  ::  versailles – wenhuat lau  ::  steven richter  ::  venice snow  ::  neuschwanstein castle  ::  prague  ::  barn in winter – james jordon 

The post Wordless Wednesday: Let It Snow appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

First of all…HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!   I hope you had a wonderful evening last night & are having a beautiful New Year’s Day.  You know those resolutions we’re all “supposed” to make?  Well…

I hate resolutions.  The intentions are always good but they just make you feel guilty when you slip up or get too busy with life to follow through.  Why even bother to do that to ourselves?  Guilt sucks.  I say that this year we throw out the resolutions.  Screw ‘em.

Screw resolutions.

I say this year we try something different.  This year let’s make a list of 13 dreams & ideas we want to live this year – a to do list for our hearts, souls & minds.

How is this different from a resolution?

Intention.  That one word makes a world of difference.  Oh, yes it does.  With a resolution we say things like:

“I’m going to donate 10% of my income every month to charity and volunteer X number of hours every month.”

“I’m going to lose 20 pounds.”

“I’m going to learn to speak fluent Swahili.”

What if the transmission in your car curls up and dies?  A major unexpected expense like that pops up and there goes the tithing and Swahili (Rosetta Stone software is pretty pricey).  What if you have to put in extra hours at work to pay for that transmission?  There goes the volunteer work.  What if you’re tired from all the overtime and lack of sleep so, in a state of exhaustion, you get a severe sprain while you’re working out?  Another resolution unfulfilled.  And when all is said and done all those noble promises are broken and we feel like failures.  Screw that.

But what if we make a few adjustments to those resolutions?  What if we said:

“I’m going to practice more kindness and be more helpful.”

“I’m going to be healthier and feel good in my skin.”

“I’m going to explore other cultures and learn more about the world I live in.”

 
By changing the intention just a little and how we view our desired result we open the door to more opportunities.  We create freedom.  We create possibilities.  I don’t know about you but I’ll take freedom over guilt any day.

Here’s how I’m going to rock 2013:

1)  Document more of my life through photography – I know I’ll be thankful for this in years to come.

2)  Work less – if I told you how many hours a day I spend working your mind would be blown.

3)  Relax more – I know I’m not alone on this one.

4)  Become more comfortable in the kitchen – I’ve never been much of a cook.

5)  Allow myself to be less responsible – slacking off & acting like a 14 year old from time to time is good for the soul.

6)  Look for more humor in life – you can never laugh too much (even if the smile lines on my face say otherwise)

7)  Leave time for adventure – I didn’t explore & travel as much last year as I usually do.  I missed it…A LOT.

8)  Express my love – it can be easy to fall into ruts & take people for granted.

9)  Observe gratitude – the world is more beautiful when you take time to appreciate all the little things that bring joy.

10)  Embrace my boldness – I used to be more adventurous with my clothes, my words & my life. I used to be fearless. I toned it down over the years & now I’m bored…but not for long.

11)  Move forward – it can be easy to stall out when you’re comfortable…progress takes effort.

12)  Expand my horizons through knowledge – I love learning & you can never know too much.

13)  Allow myself to be wrong – wrong about this list, wrong about the shoes that were sooo cute but were really a hideous disaster, wrong about anything.  It’s okay to be wrong.

So there they are – the 13 ways I’m going to rock the new year.  What do you think?  Are you on board?  What changes are you going to make in 2013?

Wishing you the happiest of new years.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images::  new year 2013 by aaron terry  ::  resolutions…or not by laygum  ::   resolutions by ryan romeike  ::  happy new year 2013 by riva

The post Screw Resolutions: 13 Ways To Rock 2013 appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

The post Happy 2013! Let’s Rock This! appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

It’s that time of month when I spread a little sponsor love.  Let’s see what the lovelies have been up to this December.

Debra Smouse

If there were ever a word that I would love to see banned from the English language it would be “should.”  It sucks.  It implies an unwanted obligation.  “I should eat less sugar.”  “I should go to that Tupperware party.”  You get the idea.  This month Debra Smouse encourages you to let go of all the “shoulds” in your life.

Thriving Wives

The lovely ladies at Thriving Wives address the frustration of downsizing (I love the old rake turned necklace rack & the antique fire extinguisher is completely drool worthy) & the joy of adopting cute canines from your local shelter.

Fizzy Pop Vintage

Fizzy Pop Vintage is clearing out the old to make way for the new…which means a SALE.  They have two killer vintage leather trench coats that are priced as good as they look.

Shibby Fashion

Gemma soaked up all the fun at London’s Hyper Japan (the UK’s largest J-culture event featuring a mix of modern and traditional Japanese culture) and she has the pics to prove it.  Some of the outfits are absolutely killer.  They’re so elaborate!  *drooling over all the frilly petticoats & pretty ruffles*

Thank you to all my wonderful sponsors & beautiful readers.

Sending you all oodles of love.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

The post Spreadin’ the sponsor love appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

I refuse to make this a review of all the crap on the internet from 2012.  That being said, I’ve read a couple of those & realized that I missed 99% of what they were talking about.  I’m out of the meme loop & I am above and beyond fine with that.  Ok.  I confess the ERMERGHERD’s were pretty damn funny.  Brian & I spent an entire evening looking them up & laughing our asses off (ERMERGHERD SKERSGERD!)…and I did get completely annoyed by those f’in Marilyn memes, but aside from those two exceptions I remain blissfully unaware of them.  I have never been one to pay much attention to popular media.

So instead of a yearly roundup I give you all sorts of new link-y goodness for you to peruse & enjoy.  Happiest of Happy New Year’s, kids.  I lurves ya!

• Bob Hope & Katherine Hepburn did a movie together?!?!?!?  How did I, lover of all things Bob, not know this?  I came across it while looking Turner Classic Movies rare movie section, The Vault Collection.  I am sooooo adding this to my shopping list.  Hell yes.
• So my honey & I have been talking about buying a house, which is only completely intimidating.  Needless to say I was happy when I stumbled across this first time home buyer’s guide on HGTV’s site.  It walks you through the home buying process step by step, which totally helped quell my anxiety.
• Guinea Pigs are so freakin’ adorable…and don’t even get me started on those funny little noises they make.  CUTE!
• I wrote 52 Doses with the belief that we can change our thoughts & learn to be happier…and numerous studies agree.  Kick ass.
• I think I’m going to give my closet a makeover by following this plan to purge.
• I’ve been coming across a lot of comments on other sites about political correctness & cultural appropriation which led me to google “I’m sick of political correctness.”  That’s when I came across this post.  What do you think?  Are we becoming a culture of thin-skinned wimps?  Do we need to toughen up or does political correctness create a kinder society?
• Have you ever wanted style advice from Dita Von Teese?  Now you can get it.  Read Dita’s words of fashion wisdom here.
• Want to make your dull winter skin glow but can’t afford the price tag that comes along with a spa visit?  Gala Darling teaches you how to make your own pumpkin facial peel.  I’ll be testing this recipe tonight.
• Andrea over at the Creative Dream Incubator talks about chasing your dream while dealing with haters.
• Did you miss The Walking Dead’s Christmas Special?  Yes.  That’s what I said.  A Zombie Christmas special…because Little Links O’ Love wouldn’t be the same without zombies.
• This week we’ll close with something sentimental: Steve Martin & Bernadette Peters singing “You Belong To Me.”   Not only is this song 100% sweet, but Steve Martin was one of my first crushes (he came after Bob Hope, so I must have been about 3 or 4 years old) & my honey & I danced to it at our wedding.  Awwwwwwwwww.

Holiday Kisses & Merry Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images: alli woods frederick

The post A Year in Review Protest + Little Links O’ Love appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.”

- Marilyn Monroe

You are amazing, wild, weird, and wonderful.  You are.  Never doubt it.  Never question it.  You are beautiful.  You are perfectly perfect just as you are.  Shout if from the rooftops.

Make no apologies. 

Be proud. 

Be you.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image: vogue uk

The post a lesson in being awesome appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Well what do you know.  December 21st has come & gone & we’re still alive.  Quelle surprise.  We wouldn’t be humans if we didn’t dream up some new cataclysm or other every few years.  Why we’re quietly obsessed with our own annihilation I can’t say, but I can say that it’s always interesting to see how people respond to such predictions, that’s for damn sure. 

Case in point:

On December 31, 1999, I was on my way to spend New Year’s Eve in New Orleans where I partied like it was 1999 (and yes, that song was played ad nauseum that night) while some people I knew stuffed their alice packs with survival gear & MREs & then they hightailed it to their bug out location in a cave in the middle of nowhere.  *insert sad trombone sound here*

What about you?  Were you worried about the Mayan Prophecy & the end of the world?  Do you buy into predictions of the end times?

Here are some decidedly non-end-of-the-world-y links of yummy goodness:

• These DIY cookie envelopes would make the perfect packaging for some holiday cookie party favors.
• Of course if you’re going to fill those cookie envelopes then you need cookies.  These red velvet cookies are festive (and look delicious).  Not a fan of red velvet? (Blasphemer!) These dark chocolate chip & sea salt cookies look scrumdiddlyumptious too.
• Work of those cookie calories by walking through this massive 7.5 acre outdoor assemblage art installation by Noah Purifoy.  It’s pretty fantastic.
• Do you love the design & nostalgia of vintage typewriters?  Do you like to support the arts?  Kill two birds with one stone.  Support the upcoming book “The Typewriter: A Graphic History of the Beloved Machine .”
• I would love to have these floating sculptures in my dream garden.
• Since we’re getting all artsy-fartsy up in this joint, why not add some interest to your dining table with some DIY Rorschach test placemats.
• Remember making paper snowflakes in elementary school?  Well paper snowflakes have grown up…& they’ve grown up to be goth.  I love these diy skull snowflakes.
• Leaders in the small Serbian village Zorazje discuss their vampire problem with ABC news…and let me tell ya, their vampire doesn’t sparkle.  Sava Savanovic means business.
• This article on rejection & its effect on creativity is pretty interesting.  How do you respond to rejection? 
• A short film about a zombie in a penguin suit?  Yup. A zombie in a penguin suit. 
• These cartoons have been around for years, but I like to revisit them every now & then. Playwright August Strindberg waxes poetic with his pink balloon friend, Helium.  Strindberg & Helium.
• And finally I leave you with this bit of beauty – a video of a floating lantern festival…it’s like a dream.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image:  via living the liminal

The post We*re Still Alive + Little Links Of Love appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Earlier this week I noticed a strange shift in energy.  Maybe you noticed it too.  I had gone from happy & upbeat to dour & in the dumps for no reason at all – at least not any reason I could think of.  I also came down with a cold & started having hyper-vivid dreams (which I chalked up to being under the weather).

I was talking to my friend, life coach Deb Smouse, the other day and I filled her in on all the weirdness. A little while later she shot me a note on twitter:  “Having strange dreams? The moon in Pisces may be to blame.”

Curiosity piqued.

Come to find out EVERYTHING that had been going on in my life was a “symptom” of the moon in Pisces.

So what, exactly, happens when the moon is in Pisces?

LET’S START WITH OUR MOOD, SHALL WE?  It controls everything.  Our mood takes center stage while rational thought…wait…what’s this rational thought of which you speak?  Yup.  It pretty much vanishes as our heart takes control of all our decision making.   We become highly empathic and want to help those who are hurting during a Pisces moon.  It can be easy to take on the pain and suffering of those around us.  This can a problem for some of us because when the moon is in Pisces our mood can take a sharp turn towards the melancholy.  We may find ourselves feeling overwhelmingly sad and unable to pinpoint why.

The Pisces moon also causes a surge in creativity along with that boost in empathy.  This can be a great to focus on creative projects (or should I say TRY to focus – we’ll address our concentration in a moment).  It can also cause hyper-vivid dreams. (See how this is all starting to fit together?)  Since we are more intuitive during this time period they may or may not be worth paying attention to…only you know for sure.

Challenges

The moon in Pisces also manifests as…wait…what was I talking about?  I forgot what I was saying because I saw something shiny outside which made me think of this book I read and it was so sad.  Boohoo.  Oh yeah!  The moon in Pisces also manifests as distraction.  We have a hard time focusing.  Concentration takes a big ol’ flying leap out the window.  Between the moodiness & lack of focus it’s a miracle if anything gets done at all.  Our productivity takes a major hit right in the kisser which sucks in a big way since we’re overflowing with inspiration.

We’re also more susceptible to colds, flus and viruses in general during this time.  Batten down our immune system’s hatches by taking our vitamins (zinc is a great one for fending off & getting over little bugs…at the first sign of a sniffle I start taking Zicam and it works like a charm!), drinking lots of orange juice and getting a good night’s sleep.  As delicious as your friend’s eggnog chai with whipped cream and caramel drizzle might seem, resist the urge to take a sip…grab one for yourself & reduces the risk of catching a cold.

How to channel a Pisces moon

So now that we know a little about how it affects us, what can we do about it?  Here are some of the best ways to channel the energy of the moon in Pisces:

DO SOMETHING CREATIVE.  Give all that dreamy, mood-enhancing energy the outlet it deserves.  Write a poem.  Paint.  Draw.  Put on a one woman play for the neighbors.  Take up busking like this fella did.  Whatever you do, create.

TAKE A NICE LONG SOAK IN THE TUB.  Light some candles, put a couple of drops of lavender oil in the water, turn on some bliss inducing Sigur Ros (or whatever will help you drift away on big billowy clouds of yesssss) and relax.

MEDITATE…or, if you suck at meditation like I do, bust out your mat and do some yoga.  (did you know there are websites that offer online yoga classes and some of them are – wait for it – FREE!)

LOAD UP YOUR NETFLIX QUEUE, grab a bowl of popcorn and have a film festival complete with fuzzy blankets, four legged friends and footed pajamas all in the comfort of your living room.

HAVE SOME SNUGGLE TIME with your favorite furball or the love in your life and give all those rampant emotions someplace to go.  Shower them with adoration and warm fuzzy goodness.

So next time you’re feeling weird maybe a Pisces moon is to blame.    A quick internet search can confirm your suspicions…then all you need to do is act accordingly.

While the moon in Pisces can be fraught with emotional tidal waves and restless sleep (my dreams have run the gamut from taking ex-boyfriends to the hospital, getting a makeover inside a dark twisting labyrinth filled with black lights & electronic music, and being a mom to a 3 year old boy in the 1830’s to being beaten by an angry mob with large tins of canned food & massive glass jars of pickled eggs…restless indeed!) it can also be enriching & soothing.  Just relax, go with the flow & try to enjoy the Pisces moon for what it is – expansive, dreamy & overflowing with emotion…which can all be good things when channeled properly.

Kisses  & Moon-induced Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images::  via cycleharmony  ::  tim walker – vogue italia  ::  laurie bartley – vogue nippon   ::  ink bottles – imaekelley  ::  jeanne crain by peter stackpole  ::  via yoga & blueberries  ::  couple watching a movie – brett morrison  ::  me & mischa © 2012 alli woods frederick

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I’m so very sorry for the delay in announcing the winner.  We’ve been going through some major tech issues over the past 48 hours here at Kisses  & Chaos (like servers crashing & the subsequent disappearance of more than a month’s worth of posts and pages.  Yikes!).  Fortunately everything was fixed by the wonderful staff of A Small Orange (thanks oodles guys!) and now we’re back on our feet and rockin’ and rollin’ once again.  Woohoo!  So thank you sooooo much for your patience.  I love you guys.

And now, without further ado, I present the winner of the $50 gift certificate from Uncommon Goods:

*insert drum roll here*

The winner is…

Shelley Hungerford!

Congrats, Shelley!  Keep your eyes on your inbox for an email from Uncommon Goods.

Thanks to everyone who entered and stay tuned for more giveaways in the new year.

Kisses  & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image:  wrapped gifts by jessica enig

The post and the winner of the uncommon goods gift certificate is appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Some of you still have shopping to do.  Admit it.  There are names you still haven’t ticked off your list.  But it’s okay.  I understand.  We all have those people that are absolutely impossible to shop for…they already have one of everything and they have it in every color.  So what the hell are you supposed to do?

No need to tear your hair out.  I’m here to help to you find that perfect gift for the girl who has everything, whether she’s the gothic goddess or the indie darling.  Let’s get those names checked of our nice lists, shall we?

Last minute miracles:

gifts for the girl who has everything

1::  tea rose headband  2::  victorian bird print  3::  forbidden fruit apple container  4::  swarovski iphone 6 case  5::  arrow necklace  6::  You Are So Loved

1::  bird skull necklace  2::  double cross ring  3::  mortality mirror  4::  skull & roses wallet  5::  arsenic eau de parfum  6:  spike platform  7::  scarab cuff  8::  swarovski Iphone 4 case

1::  masters of fashion illustration  2::  rhinestoned collar necklace  3::  cotttontail glitter bunny ears  4::  let them eat cake hand crème  5::  swarovski Iphone 5 case  6::  sequined heart purse  7::  Goldilux loose eyeshadow

1::  kalyana ring holder  2::  NamaSTAY yoga towel  3::  ohm namah shivaya bracelet  4::  tibetan singing bowl  5::  mantras & music 2 cd set  6::  illuminating gem candle holder

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

The post last minute miracles: gifts for the girl who has everything appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Well boys & girls, unless you’ve been living in a cave for the past year then you have no doubt heard that on the 21st of this month – a mere 4 days from today – our collective ass is grass.  That’s right.  We are once again scheduled for extinction.  I feel it only appropriate that such an event have a soundtrack.  It is, after all, the end of the world.  That’s a pretty big deal…and if crap movies like Gigli & Glitter get soundtracks, then by God, the apocalypse gets one too…and a badass one at that.

Life Experience No.3:

The Apocalypse

It’s the end of the world.  Are you going to sit there and wallow in self-pity, bemoaning the cruel fate to befall us all or are you going to go out with a bang?  With a BANG! of course.  Put on your finest, gather your loved ones & have a last hurrah.  Raise a glass to…well…everything!  Live this day like it’s your last because it is.  Now go get your love on…wait…that sounded dirty.  Oh well.  It’s your last day on earth so interpret that however you like and act accordingly…just make sure you’re listening to this mix as you tear it up.

Need more apocalyptic advice?  Be sure to check out 50 Things To Do During The Post-Apocalypse and Fabulous Fashions For The End Of The World for ways to stay entertained and looking fabulous after the world goes to hell in a hand basket.

Eternal Kisses & Exceptional Chaos,

The Mistress of the Mix

Alli Woods Frederick

*image credit: a day in the park ©2009 alli woods frederick

The post It*s The End Of The World (and i feel fine) appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”

 - Mae West

Anyone that makes a “YOLO” comment will be publically flogged, shamed & sprayed by a skunk every 15 days until the guilty party has learned their lesson.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image:  vogue uk

The post The Secret To Life appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Few people know this, but there is, in fact, a long lost 11th commandment.  It’s true.

What, pray tell, is it you ask? Well…

Thou Shalt

So it is written.

So shall it be.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image credit:  “Sound Advice” by Gala Darling

The post The Long Lost 11th Commandment appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Instagram – a wonderful hybrid.  It’s what happens 9 months after Pinterest & your diary get drunk and have unprotected sex.  On the surface Instagram seems to be nothing more than a photographic sea of people’s meals, half-dressed people flexing in front of their bathroom mirrors (I’m disturbed by how many people lack basic housecleaning skills. Invest in a sponge & a bottle of Method guys.  Seriously.  Ewww.), manicures & lots of photos of people’s feet. 

But not everyone posting pics is a slave to mediocrity and the status quo.  There are some badass Instagram-ers out there. Artists, designers, hardcore cat fanatics, and people with an excellent eye & impeccable style…they’re there.  You just have to know where to look.  I now present to you the 5 people you should be following on Instagram.

vampyrae

Vampyrae is a curator after my own heart.  Her feed is a collection of all things dark & mysterious from around the internet.  Let her feed your inner-goth.  Your dark side needs love too.

old_hag

Not enough brooding, ethereal darkness for you?  Then be sure to visit old_hag’s feed.  You won’t find her photographs of the Swedish landscape in any Ikea.  After viewing her photos I have no doubt that the forests of Sweden are populated entirely by witches & dark fairies.

cats_of_instagram

Everyone needs a little dose of cute and cats certainly fit the bill.  Who doesn’t smile, whose heart doesn’t melt a little whenever they see a little furball doing something adorable?  People without souls, that’s who.  Assuming you do, indeed, have a soul I give you the cutest feed on Instagram, Cats_Of_Instagram.  It’s purrrrrfectly precious.

heelhaveeyes

Shoes.  And not just any shoes but glorious, glittered, glamorous shoes.  Enough said.

staley

Come and get it.  It’s time for a heaping helping of inspiration courtesy of Staley.  Travel the world and see it through a magnificently unique pair of eyes.  Prepare to get lost without leaving your couch.

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

images:  chefmecit  |  fasion9ds  |  shane huseth  |  didisea  |  carton magazine |  annaarentsen  |  skinny_thoughts  |  stephweather  |  vampyrae  |  old_hag  |  cats_of_instagram  |  heelhaveeyes  |  staley  |

The post 5 People You Should Be Following On Instagram appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

 
For the past 3 years I have seen people rave about Leonie Dawson’s positivity and love filled annual calendar/workbook/planner “Create Your Incredible Year”…and for the past 3 years I have put off buying it.  But no more!  This year Leonie released not 1 but 2 versions, a business edition and a life edition, and I got my hands on both of them.  I can’t wait to dig in.
 

 
I printed the business edition with Lulu.com (which was insanely easy & didn’t break the bank like all the other printing options out there…mine was about $25-ish with a discount code & that included shipping…FedEx wanted about 4 times as much for the exact some binding.  Yikes!) and, now that I see how excellent the quality is, I’ll be doing the same with the life edition.  They are so bright & vibrant, even I, who usually avoids bright colors, am drawn in.
 

 
Both editions are geared towards setting goals and not only achieving them, but achieving them with gusto, love and joy.  I have never been a goal-maker and I’m beginning to suspect that it’s because it always made the result seem like a chore instead of something joyous.  I’m hoping Leonie’s approach will change all of that.  For the first time ever I’m excited about setting ‘em up and knocking ‘em down.
 

 
I’ve read the reviews and so many women claim that this book has transform their lives that I can’t help but be excited about adding some extra sparkle to mine.  I’m hoping that 2013 will be the best year of my life, full of transformation, growth & love & that these books will provide me guidance & inspiration along the way.  I’ll be sure to let you know how the process goes and if they work for me.  Wish me luck!
 

 
If you want to join me in this adventure you can grab your own copy of Leonie’s “Create Your Incredible Year.” (These are digital products but you can use them for reference & keep a separate journal, print them at home and pop ‘em in a binder or have them made into a journal like I did.) Let me know if you’re coming along for the ride.  I would love to hear about your journey.
 

 

XoX   I can’t wait to get started!  Let’s rock 2013, shall we?   XoX

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

About Leonie Dawson:

Leonie Dawson is a mentor to women wanting to create + grow massively successful and heart-centered creative + soulful businesses. She is also an author, retreat leader, visual artist, mama and guide for the tens of thousands who receive her free “SHINE IN YOUR LIFE + BIZ” ezine each week.

Purposeful, passionate & unendingly prolific, Leonie published her first book at 22, held her first solo art exhibition at 23, began leading women’s circles the same year, created her first retreat at 25, launched the Goddess Circle — a subscription-based women’s art, soul + biz community — at 27, and has guided thousands of women through transformational experiences over the past 3 years. She’s also released 5 e-courses — including her signature workshop for entrepreneurs, Become A Business Goddess program — 4 meditation kits and 2 workbooks into the digital ether. Her latest book “73 Lessons Every Goddess Must Know” shot to the top of the Amazon bestseller list.

In the process, she has created a half million dollar a year company that doubles in size each year and helps thousands of women every single year. Her mission is to help as many earth angels – women with creative or spiritual gifts – to have profoundly profitable businesses so they may nourish themselves and heal the world.

You can find her on Twitter @Leonie_Dawson, Facebook www.facebook.com/leoniedawsonpage & at her blog www.leoniedawson.com.

images: © alli woods frederick & leonie dawson

This is NOT a sponsored post but it does contain affiliate links.

The post Create Your Incredible Year with Leonie Dawson + Me appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Here’s a little gift from me to you: a page of free winter gift tags.  Hopefully this will save you a little time & money (the price of tags can add up when you buy them year after year after year).

These babies are ready to go. 

Since you can print these out as many times as you like, you’ll never run out of tags again. No more last minute runs to the store to pick through the ugly tags that no one wanted all because you misspelled your cousin’s new wife’s name (but seriously…how the hell were you supposed to know she spelled her name with a “PH?” Who the hell has ever heard of Pheather?) Check that off your list of “sh*t that will go wrong at the last minute.” You are covered.
 

Click here to download your free set of Winter Gift Tags. 

 
Print them, cut them out, make a hole using a hole punch, run some string or pretty ribbon through and viola!  Super-cute homemade gift tags.  Enjoy!

*These cuties will do best if you print them on cardstock. Plain paper will work in a pinch, but be forewarned: there is an excellent change that the anything you write on the back will bleed through & the paper will get all funky and wrinkly from the printer ink. You can grab inexpensive cardstock at your local craft store. *

 
Want more ways to pretty up your presents?  Give your gifts some added flair with the rest of my Winter Gift Tag Set.  You can check them out by clicking here.
 
 

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

PS – These files are pdfs.  You will need a pdf reader like Adobe Reader installed to be able to open the files.  If you don’t already have a copy (which you probably do) you can download it for free here.
 

images:  © 2012 Alli Woods Frederick

The post A Holiday Gift For You: Free Holiday Gift Tags appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Meet my newest baby, my Firefly Subway Poster!  As a huge fan of (almost) all things Joss Whedon in general and Firefly in particular, this subway poster way crying out to be created.  It was long overdue, in fact.  It has almost all of my favorite quotes from the series.  I know I left some classics out, but if I included every single brilliant quote the poster would be so ridiculously massive it would stretch to the outer rim & back.  I hope every browncoat out there loves it as much as I do.  Prints are available on Society6 (and before I forget, Society6 is offering free shipping* on all prints now through December 9 so you can save yourself some dough).

Didn’t you say something about a giveaway?

Why yes I did! I have partnered with Uncommon Goods to give one lucky winner a holiday present :

a $50 gift certificate!

Pick up a little something for a loved one or snag yourself something special…I won’t judge you if you spend it on yourself.  Honest.  I’d do the same thing. *wink wink* (Seriously…I have had my eye on their tea leaf reading kit for quite awhile.)

How To Enter:

To be entered to win just click here & subscribe to Kisses & Chaos emails.  Already an email subscriber?  Fear not – you are already entered to win.  Want an extra shot at winning?  Score an extra entry when you like my facebook page.  It’s that easy!  The giveaway ends December 13 at 11:59 pm CST.  A winner will be selected at random using random.org and announced here on December 14.  Good luck!

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

Before I forget:

Do you want to live a more joy-filled life? Starting today and ending tomorrow (that’s Saturday, December 7) at midnight CST I’m hosting a Pay What You Can Day for my e-book 52 Doses.

What’s a Pay What You Can Day?

Well, it’s exactly what it sounds like…you pay what you can. When you add 52 Doses to your cart you can adjust the price to whatever amount works for you, whether it’s $1 or $100, the choice is yours. You can read more about 52 Doses by clicking here. Bring more joy into your life. Start today.

Promotion expires December 9, 2012 at Midnight Pacific Time. *Offer excludes Framed Art Prints, Stretched Canvases and Throw Pillows with insert.

The post New From The Haus Of Chaos: Firefly Subway Poster + An Uncommon Goods Giveaway appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

“The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.”

- Albert Einstein

Kisses & Chaos,

Alli Woods Frederick

image:  surreal snail by alun webb

The post Einstein And Reality appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.

Guest Blogger Static White

Today the morbidly magical Static White is helping spread her unique brand of holiday cheer with her furry and fabulous Yeti Foot Ornament (or stocking) Tutorial.  If you like your holiday traditions slightly less conventional then you’re going to love this.  Let’s get our craft on.

A Holiday How-To: Yeti Foot Ornament

Yeti Foot Ornament

Supplies:

A sheet of Grey Felt (one 8x12ish piece was enough for two Yeti Foot Ornaments)

Scrap of White Felt – apx 3″ x 2″

3/8″ Ribbon

Thread

Fabric Glue

Straight Pins

Scissors

Ornament Hook/String

Optionals:

Small scraps of Green & Red Felt for holly

Ribbon, Ribbon and more Ribbon

Any small embellishments you have laying about

Instructions:

• Cut the Claws piece from your scrap of White Felt.
• Fold the Grey Felt in half, long edge to long edge. Pin your Yeti Foot Upper along the fold of your Felt as indicated and cut.

• Unfold the remaining sheet of Grey Felt and cut the Yeti Foot Sole from one of the left over hanging pieces.
• Before you remove the pattern piece from the Yeti Foot Sole, slip a pin under the pattern and through the Felt to mark the center front (CF). Repeat at the center back (CB).

• Using just a wee bit of glue to hold it in place, attach the Claws to the wrong side (inside) of the Yeti Foot Sole. Using the pin as a centering guide, centering the middle claw to the pin, but take care not to glue it into you ornament! Remove the pin and put aside to dry.

• Leave the Yeti Foot Upper folded in half and pin along the center front. Sew it closed from end to end with a shallow whip or blanket stitch.

• When your Yeti Foot Sole piece with Claws is dry, line up the center front point (CF) of the Yeti Foot Sole with the center front seam of the Upper Foot, pin. Repeat with the center back (CB) of the Yeti Foot Sole to the center back of the Yeti Foot Upper.
• Pin both sides of the Yeti Foot Sole to the Upper and stitch.

• Cut a 3/8” wide piece of ribbon about 1 1/2″ long, fold it in half and stitch to the top edge of the Foot at center back. This is for the ornament hook/string to go through so you can hang it.

Embellish as you see fit: bows, bells… you know, whatever you normally decorate shrunken yeti feet with for the holidays. I stitched a scrap of 7/8” ribbon around the top and free-hand cut some holly leaves and berry for the front.  A little glue, a couple of stitches and voila! Also, stuff a little tissue in it from toe to heel to help keep it’s shape.  Even a bit of paper towel works in a pinch –that’s what I used.

Not only will your Yeti Foot Ornament turn heads and get strange looks but it’s great for hiding money or candy in for the kids to find, too.

Get crazy and enlarge the pattern for a creepy-cute holiday stocking! (Don’t forget to add seam allowance.)

Have fun, get creative and send pics, I’d love to see them.

XX,

Static White

Download the Yeti Foot Ornament Pattern

About The Author – Static White

I am a native of New York City now transplanted to Nashville! I love caffeine, creating the things that scrabble around in my head and working in the fae hours.
Weird, wonderful, and random, my items are generally one/few of a kind.  I’ve been sewing, crafting and creating since I was 5yrs old thanks to my Gramma. I was also lucky enough to go to the “Fame” school (F. Laguardia HS – Music, Art & the Preforming Arts) and FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology).  I love creating quality handmade items whether it’s clothing, dolls, or various forms of art. Gramma was right when she told me it’s not worth doing if you don’t do it right. I double stitch, serge, trim, fray check and so on. I want my creations to last and be enjoyed for a long time to come!

My main shop is @ http://SWStitchery.etsy.com
You can find my supply/destash @ http://StaticWhite.Etsy.com

To keep up to date on all that is Static White’s Stitchery…

Yeti Foot Ornament by Maya Bowen is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License.

The post Proof That Yetis Exist: A Holiday How*To with Static White appeared first on Kisses & Chaos.