From our family to yours, Happy Halloween

The hunk and I...I was looking for the facts and all he wanted to do was handcuff me!
Aspen posing with her perfume & law books...The perfect Legally Blonde moment!
Aysha was the cutest Black kitty cat! Just like her personality, ready to pounce at any given moment!
The boys had fun being ninjas and spurring each other with their swords!

Happy Haunting

With Halloween approaching we have prepared our costumes for all the upcoming parties and events we have this weekend. Our home is decked out in ghosts and goblins galore and we are ready for the ghoulish night. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. As you know I love to dress up and any excuse to play dress up I am down for. I also love to decorate and pulling out the Halloween decorations is so much fun every year. It is customary for the kids to go Trick or Treating and we normally have a huge Halloween Party at our house. We will be sure to take lots of pictures of the kids and their costumes.
The grim keepers skull with candy worms crawling out of its sockets...a little ghoulish but so much fun for the kids!
I love vintage Halloween, and I normally buy a new piece for my collection every year. Do you remember the old paper witch hats from our childhood? I am using my hats this year as lamp shades for my sideboard lamps.
Happy Halloween

xo, Alys

*VOTE*

*The FUTURE is in our Eyes*

*** VOTE***

In 1920 women in the US gained the right to vote. Voting is a way to express ourselves. It
impacts our children's education, the safety of our local communities, and major issues. Taking an active position in politics, and standing up for what you believe in by voting gives you a voice...Every election is important and gives us the chance to be heard. Take advantage of this opportunity and exercise your right to vote.In 1917 the women were innocent and defenseless, but they were jailed nonetheless for picketing the White House, carrying signs asking for the right to vote.
By the end of the night, some of them were barely alive. Forty prison guards, wielding clubs and their warden's blessing, went on a rampage against the 33 women wrongly convicted of “obstructing sidewalk traffic.”
When one of the leaders, Alice Paul, embarked on a hunger strike, they tied her to a chair. She was tortured like this for weeks until word was smuggled out to the press. Woodrow Wilson and his associates tried to persuade a psychiatrist to declare Alice Paul insane so that she could be permanently institutionalized. It is inspiring to know the doctor refused. Alice Paul was strong, he said, and brave. That didn't make her crazy. The doctor admonished the men. They beat Lucy Burns, chained her hands to the cell bars above her head, and left her hanging for the night, bleeding and gasping for air. We have it so good and are so blessed, with our beautiful families, friends and loved ones around us. To live in this wonderful country, with our freedom to choose, liberty and justice. Do yourself, our country, and the women that fought for our voice a favor and don't forget to vote!

~Tagged~

I was just tagged by Judith from Paris Atelier. I thought it would be fun to play along both through photos and thoughts. If you havn't been to Judiths blog you must. Her blog is new, but the info and photos gathered are fabulous! You will want to add her to your blog role.

I am supposed to share six quirky or random things about me that you may or may not know.

I love the color Purple. I always have and always will. I love every shade of purple from deep royal purple to pale lavendar. When I was 15 my mom painted my room purple for me as a surprise present. I love, love, loved it! I Love to Dress Up! You will rarely find me in jeans and a t-shirt. I have always loved style and clothes are one of my passions. I also love a sale. I rarely buy anything full price and get so excited over a bargain. High fashion to me is art. I love to see how different people dress and put together their clothes to make a statement.

I also love photography, portraiture mostly. I am currently studying at The International School of Photography. I never thought I would go back to school, but I am loving it. Now that my kids are all in school full-time I wanted to pursue my love for photography. I just recently launched my photography website that I am super excited about. It is more of a hobby than anything but I am having so much fun doing it.

I am having a secret affair with Jimmy..."Shhhh" Yes, Jimmy Choo is my secret obsession. I just got this fabulous snake skin handbag today and am head over heels for it! There is nothing better than a fabulous handbag or pair of shoes and Jimmy knows just how to speak to my heart...Pitter Patter...
I love lemons. Yes, I admit it, I am a lemon addict. Juicy lemons anytime of the day with salt is my idea of the best treat ever. I love them with salt and I eat the entire thing except for the rind. Mmmmm!
I love my job! When I was young I always told my family that I was going to grow up and become a professional shopper. I was darn good at it then and always fantasized about turning it into a career. Well that is pretty much what I do in a nutshell. Shopping for fine antiques and home decor is my job, my passion and I love it! Running my two websites and meeting people from all around the world that share in the same passion for antiques as I do is so rewarding. Finding my passion and being able to do it daily is one of the greatest blessings in my life.

Things I Love-My Family, Lipstick, Music that I can sing my lungs out to in my car, Traveling, Meeting new people, Chandeliers, New Sheets, Movies, Chips & Salsa, Red Wine, Entertaining, Old Architecture, All things French, Bubble Baths, Gardening, Golf, Life Stories, Holidays, Hairspray, Flowers, Chatting, My Daughters Breath, Fast Cars, Adventure, Shag Carpet, Funny People, Glitter, Sleeping in, Pedicures, My computer, and Game night just to list a few.

Thank you for reading a bit more about me, xo Alys

The Hunk ~Happy Anniversary

Two years ago today on the most beautiful beach in all of the world, I was married to The Hunk! He is my saving grace, my rock, my best friend, and my love. He is also the best dad, a great golfer, compassionate, caring and kind. His character and integrity teach me life lessons daily and his friendship and random acts of sillyness always have me laughing in stiches. I am so lucky to be married to such an amazing man. I love you sweets, Happy Anniversary!

A few weeks ago he let me take the above photo of him for my new photography website. I can't stop drooling over how gorgeous he is..."blush"! I fall in love with him all over again every time I see him. I truly think I am one lucky girl to have met such an incredible man...and to think, Four years ago I was just strolling through the aisles at Target when we met. "In my sweats with my hair pulled up in a pony tail on top of my head" I wasn't looking so hot shall we say! I was shopping, looking for a particular CD, when he asked me what I was looking for. We had a brief conversation to establish that we were both single and then he asked for my phone number. I was so twitterpated after giving him my number that I ditched my shopping cart and everything in it and bee-lined it for my car. Sure enough he called first thing the next morning and the rest is history, We have been happily together ever since.

Who ever said white men can't jump! Believe it or not this photo was taken on our wedding day with no photoshop trick photography added! This has always been one of my favorite pics of him.

Taken on Poolenalena Beach in Maui right after our ceremony. We were married on the private beach of Sharon Stone and Clint Eastwood. It was the most breathtaking romantic place in the world. I had dreamt my entire life of getting married on the beach in Hawaii. It was so surreal and incredible actually being able to live out my perfect dream.

Annual Murder Mystery at Geertsen Manor

This past weekend we had our annual Murder Mystery at the Cabin. I can't remember if I have ever laughed so hard and so much in all my life. If you havn't ever done one of these murder mysteries you must! They are such a great excuse to get all dolled up and act like kids all over again. We normally purchase our mystery dinners here. They are super easy to print out and the directions are quite self explanatory. We always make a weekend out of it, however if you only have one night that is ok too. Be sure to send out the invitations a week or so in advance so your guest can plan their costumes and role play for the evening.
Cindy was Miss Monica Cholet: A flapper star of music hall and stage
The hunk trying to get a sneak peak! Oh My!
Robert was Mr. Ernest Sharpe:
A 42-year-old businessman who is intelligent & as slippery as a greased eel. Mike was Jarvis: Close to retirement age he was
Lord Farthing’s splendid butler at Farthingay Manor
Myself -Gertrude, Countess Torrington:
The 30 year old countess formerly known as Nurse TrembleDon't you just LOVE the eyebrows!
Grandpa was The Reverend Archibald Flannel:

A financial expect with dreams of becoming a bishop someday. Grandma was Sister Susan: She had been in the holy order her entire life.
We love to make a delicious and hearty meal for the night accompanied by finger foods, hors d'oeuvres and desserts. This is great so your guest can mingle and enjoy one another while the finishing touches are being placed on the dinner. Half of the fun is preparing for the evening. From creating your costume, to decorating, just have a ball! Mood lighting and recreating the scene from the play are all important for setting the stage for the night...but most important have fun! xo, Alys

We Have A Winner! ~Couture Handbag Give-Away

~WE HAVE A WINNER~

Thank you, Thank you to all of you who submitted ideas and entries to our Couture Handbag Give-Away! So many gorgeous & creative names have been submitted for my new jewelry line that it will be soooo hard to pick just one! I have compiled the list below of names and will be narrowing it down to one for the big jewelry launch next week. Every time a new name would come in I would think "Oh Oh, that is it" There are soooo many fabulous and perfect names to choose from!!! This is going to be as hard as picking a name for a new baby, but I am super excited!

This morning my daughter chose her favorite name for the free handbag giveaway. The name she chose was "The Seine of Times" Submitted by Kris of Tres Belle. She has been reading the names as they have been coming in right along side of me, and it has been so fun to see what she thinks and have her input. She is turning into my little muse these days really spreading her wings and exploring her love for photography and art.

Congratulations Kris and please email me with your info and which purse you would love so I can get it right out to you!

The Eclectic Parisian * Bits of Paris * Bijou Bling Jewels of the Seine * beau trésor * Coeurs deVieux * Parisian Metals * Paris Heirloom * la femme bijou * Pieces from the Past * French Bits * Eclectic Parisian Jewels * Parisian Persuasion * The Seine of Times * Vintage Paris line * Croix du Temps * Bejeweled Bijoux * Jolie Jewels * Bygone Bling * Revamped 4U * French Lace Vintage Designs * French Lace Vintage Jewels * French Lace Jewelry Co * French Lace Jewelry Designs * Toujour Paris * la Renaissance * The Parisian Mystic Line * Bead-dazzled* Past Perfect Jewels * Yesterday's Adornments * TodayRefashioned 4 U * French Flair - Yesterday and Today * Sparkling Again! * Preview the Past * Hip Heirlooms * Parisian Mystic * La Renaissance * Crown Jewels Vintage Jewelry * Crown Jewels Vintage Designs * Antoinette's Dream * Wearing Paris * Paris Around Your Neck * Vintage Bijouterie * Jewels of Versailles * Versailles Bling * Hooked * Curious Charms * Pari~Alys Jewels * ParAlys Jewels * Bijoux d'Alys

This has been so much fun and I really appreciate all of the creative thoughts and comments you all have left. xo, Alys

The Couture Handbag Give-Away

So as I laid in bed last night tossing and turning "see previous post" I had a brainstorm! Why not let the ladies in Blog land lend a helping hand...And why not have a giveaway! Everyone loves a giveaway, and I have Never met a woman that doesn't LOVE a great bag! So with that we announce""The Couture HandBag Give-Away"

The lucky winner will win this gorgeous Phoebe & Josephine Couture Handbag, shipped directly to your home!!! It doesn't get much better than this...and just in time for the fall/winter season this will be the "IT" bag to be carrying. Retail value on this bagis just over 325.00! The Winner will have her choice from one of the two handbags photographed above. The black handbag features Vintage Beaver Fur accented with black leather, trim and a gorgeous swarvoski fluer de lis. The brown shoulder bag featured soft vintage mink accented by brown leather, trim and a beautiful swarvoski crown!

The Rules:1. Comment me with a link to your Blog so I can add you to my Blog Roll, and add ME to yours! "Yes, I do believe in buying friends"...LOL... :-) No, not really, it is just that with all the blogs and blog readers out there in blog land it is tough for me to get to all of you if you are not on my blog roll. I am sure they're are so many of you out there that I don't know about and if this is the first time you have visited my blog, Welcome!

2. I am getting ready to launch my New Custom Vintage Jewelry Line "see pics below" within the next few weeks to my ABitOfParis2u & Paris Couture Antique Sites. I am so excited about this and want a catchy clever name for this collection I have created however I am stumped. I would LOVE to hear your ideas. I need a name...Something catchy, clever, inspiring, new and reminiscent of the collection and a reflection of my sites...."I know that is alot to ask for, but you ladies are creative!" I can't wait to hear your suggestions & ideas. For every suggestion you send in you will get one entry into the drawing, so get your thinking caps on. Feel free to send in ideas as they come over the next week.

We will be holding this contest on both of our blogs, Abitofparis2u & Paris Couture Antiques. The contest will be open for 10 days from Oct. 2nd- Oct 12th. A winner will be drawn from the list of creative names sent in from both sites on October 13th at 9 am. The winner will be posted here on my blog so do check back to see if you have won!

Anyone with an email address can join this contest. If you don't have a blog but enjoy stopping by to read, welcome! Simply submit an idea for my new jewelry line and I will count you in!

Thank you for all the support, xo Alys