Paris Couture Antiques

Magic, Noel, Peace and Joy To You This Holiday Season

noreply@blogger.com (Alys) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:26:00 +0000

Around My Town Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Alys) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:50:00 +0000

With the winter season quickly approaching I thought it would be fun to head out with a dear friend and capture the city in photos before Jack Frost sprinkled his magic wand and covered it in a blanket of white wonderland. I always get so excited to get out into the big city around this time of year. The air has a different smell about it as the hustle and bustle of the holiday season approaches. I live about 30 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City and always find it a pleasure to drive into the city. Whether it be escaping to my favorite hotel "Hotel Monaco" for the evening or just meeting friends for lunch it is always pleasurable and such a treat. I took my camera along for 2 days of shopping, exploring and taking in this beautiful city. I will be posting part two "Holiday Store Windows" in a few days.
I have always loved architecture and have a sweet spot in my heart for the designs of times past. The craftsmanship and attention to fine detail captures my soul. I have taken photos of just a few of the historical buildings and landmarks you will see when visiting Salt Lake City. There is so much to see and do here, come for a visit sometime soon... xo, Alys

Birthdays

noreply@blogger.com (Alys) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:46:00 +0000

This past week our family has been celebrating "Birthdays" Aysha turned ten on Saturday. I cant believe she is a decade old. It seems like just yesterday I was holding her in my arms for the first time. We had a birthday party at the pizza parlor for her and then took all 13 girls to see the new movie Disney's A Christmas Carol. It was a blast! She had so much fun hanging out with all of her friends celebrating her special day.

Sunday came as a surprise, Baby Jasmine was born 4 weeks early. She is the most perfect baby ever! So precious and divine. It was so amazing to be able to witness her birth first hand and share in this miracle and experience. Life doesn't get much better than this! To all of you November birthdays out there... Happy Birthday! xo, Alys

Friendship, Food and Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Alys) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:37:00 +0000

A few nights ago I had a dear friend over for dinner & desert. I set the table using random items I have been collecting for a while and just love the way it all came together. I normally don't decorate with the color blue, however I just fell in love with these plates and had to see if I could mix them in for the evening. What a fun night full of good food, laughter, fun and friendship. Now to take it down and set my fall table... the warm colors of autumn are my favorite!

Fall Time Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Alys) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 04:39:00 +0000

I know I have been posting alot of photos from my recent photography sessions but I couldn't help but share these with you. This little girl was so much fun to photograph and full of spunk and great ideas to make her look like a woodland fairy! I was so happy with how the pictures turned out. If any of you live locally in Utah and would like to have pictures done drop me an email or leave a comment. I'm off to my next session! xo, Alys

Spreading My Wings...

noreply@blogger.com (Alys) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:11:00 +0000

One of my favorite quotes is "First you jump off the cliff and you build wings on the way down."-Ray Bradbury
The past few weeks I have been spreading & building my wings and exploring my new hobby and love for photography. I picked up this passion last year and have since been so excited to photograph a bride. This beautiful girl is Autumn, she was just married this past weekend. Autumn asked if I would shoot her bridals and wedding for her... of course I was over the moon with excitement and nervousness. I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite photos from the shoot with you. Good reason for being totally MIA from the blogging world for the past month! I've missed you guys... I promise not to be gone for so long this time, I have so much I want to share! xo, Alys

Memories & Madness

noreply@blogger.com (Alys) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:50:00 +0000

Memories and Madness sums up this past week perfectly for me. My daughter Aspen had her first day of Junior High. She is in 7th grade and as I walked through the school doors I felt as if I should have been the one registering for class not my daughter! I can't believe how the time has passed so quickly. It seems like just yesterday I was sitting in History class writing letters to my boyfriend. "No Aspen..this is not appropriate 7th grade behavior... your mother was not a good example and don't follow in her footsteps... boys are bad, they have cooties, stay far far away from them!" With so much homework, projects and after school activities already this year I can tell it is going to be full of nothing but Memories and Madness!

Aysha also started 4th grade this year. What in the world has happened to my baby?! Thank goodness she still lets me hold her, love her and kiss her as much as I could ever want to. How in the world could I ever resist those dimples! She was so excited to get back to school and see all of her friends. Aysha is a social butterfly, she loves people and is very fun, caring and sincere.

My week was one of the very best of my entire life! Monday was alfresco dining with great weather, pizza, laughter, love and fabulous company...Tuesday was spent rockin out to my favorite band Depeche Mode at there Live Nation concert with my best friend... No, I can't dance or sing for that matter but I sure felt like a rockstar! Wednesday was Aysha's first soccer game of the season, She played defender and did great! Thursday retreating up at the fabulous new Dakota mountain lodge in Park City, relaxing for the evening and having the time of my life. What an amazing beautiful experience. Saturday was spent rocking out concert style again to an oldy but goodie Blondie. Incredible memories and good times spent with dear friends and treasured loved ones... I couldn't ask for a better week!

Picture was taken on my camera phone, sorry for the poor quality! But you can just tell I am having the time of my life, and blissfully happy! I hope your week has been filled with good times and fun memories to last a lifetime! We should all celebrate and cherish those that know us best and love us most. Looking forward to many more great memories...xo Alys

Goodbye Summer-au revoir lete

noreply@blogger.com (Alys) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 01:36:00 +0000

Goodbye Summer Sale August 17-24th

Boudoir Queen

noreply@blogger.com (Alys) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 05:04:00 +0000

Dawn Younger-Smith muse/mastermind of the Boudoir Queen has become my latest fetish. Her divine and decadent one of a kind fashion designs are timeless yet with today's chic appeal. How could you not want to spend every second in these lavish designs. Made from antique/vintage European textiles, lace and notions each piece is a work of art. Styled after the Art Deco period the Boudoir Queen captures femininity and glamour with precise expertise. Dawn has a natural flair for combining both current and vintage trends in both high fashion and makeup to create the Boudoir Queen Style.

The Veronicas, The Citizens Band, Molly Sims, Patty Griffin, Anna Nicole Smith, Maude Adams, and Lisa Marie Presley are among other starlets that have been clients of Dawns. Her talents range from make-up artistry, model/muse to extreme fashionista. Dawn is charting her own course in today's fashion industry. Her style can be summed up as Norma Desmond meets Miss Havisham meets Rock n roll! Totally cutting edge and totally hip! Dawn has been recognized by several magazines and publications. Setting her own stage, and paving the way for fashion in today's market Dawns tattered decadent style is here to stay.

The Boudoir Queen website is a work of art in itself. A mini escape from reality to a place of wonder and enchantment. Fashioned after the French boudoir dolls of the early 1900s Dawns introduces us to a world of magic and trendsetting style. Do stop by and relish in the fabulous designs of the boudoir queen with me. www.theboudoirqueen.com

COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARKS ON ALL DESIGNS WITH DATED MAGAZINE PUBLICATIONS © All Content, Imagery,Graphics, Code, Look & Feel, Product Design, Brands, Logos, Ideas and general details are under the exclusive copyright of Boudoir Queen and Dawn Younger-Smith 2001-2009Therefore, no unauthorized reproduction pretty please!

Chandeliers ~My Love

noreply@blogger.com (Alys) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:46:00 +0000

I have a passion/obsession for fabulous vintage lighting. Chandeliers are my favorite and I have one "OK maybe more than one" hanging in every room of my home. I love the eye candy they bring to a room and I never tire of looking at them. Placing a chandelier as the center crown of your room and building your decor around it adds such opulence and grandeur to any space. I adore flanking petite chandeliers on each side of my bedstead or hanging them in the powder room to add that extra touch of femininity. Another great way to use vintage chandeliers that may not be safe to use indoors is using them outside. I have an old wrought iron chandy hanging in my gazebo and another hanging under my deck. If you find an old chandelier and the color just doesn't work for your home, it is easy enough to grab a can of high lacquer spray paint and painting it the color of your choice. I have done this several times and always love the end result! If you are looking for a chandelier to grace your space click here. I hope you enjoy drooling along with me, over the above collage of vintage chandeliers! xo, Alys

New in the Shop

noreply@blogger.com (Alys) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:54:00 +0000

Put on your Party Crown!

noreply@blogger.com (Alys) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 21:53:00 +0000

Ladies, Please put on your best party crown and dress we have a winner! Yes, a Winner I say! ***Drum roll please*** Using Tara's Random Number Generator lucky number 21 was picked!

Gypsy Flea Market, You are one Lucky Girl...with a gorgeous blog to boot! Please email me your info or leave me a comment with your info so I can get this giftaway right out to you.

I have been having the best time reading all of your sweet comments/well wishes and visiting your beautiful and creative blogs. What a treat it has been for me to get to know all of you and share a bit of your life through the blogging community. Thank you to all of you that participated in my little giftaway! "I shall take my curtsy bow now" Check back often for more sweet treats and plenty of fun times! xo, Alys

Holly Holly HollyHock

noreply@blogger.com (Alys) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:00:00 +0000

My dear friend Holly was diagnosed with Lupus 24 years ago. In 2008 she was hit very hard by this chronic, autoimmune disease. She was hospitalized for 3 months and it was very touch and go. The picture of Holly below was taken right after a surgery. Holly is a fighter and did not give up her battle with Lupus. I took the above photo of Holly today in her garden of vegetables & hollyhocks. All though Lupus has remissions and flares she has been fighting this like a hero for the past 24 years. Holly is truly a living miracle and her story should be an inspiration to us all.

Since Holly's surgery she has been feeling a bit down. Struggling with the issues Lupus has put on her body and soul. I have had the chance to talk to Ms Holly the past couple of weeks, and I just want her to know how beautiful she is both inside and out. She has made my saddest days brighter and my burdens seem much easier to manage after talking with her. Holly is the kind of friend that shows up at your doorstep bringing treats to sick ones, and the type of friend you can call on day or night. She is a ray of sunshine, and always a good time to be around. Friends like this are priceless! I thought we could all give her a little encouragement...I know when I am feeling down having friends gather round me always lifts my spirits and brings me back to my happy place.

Lupus strikes mostly women of childbearing age (15-44). However, men, children, and teenagers develop lupus, too. Lupus research is ongoing and is on the brink of discovering new treatment's and drugs that could lead to a cure. You can read more on Lupus here.

This is Holly, happy to be home having her daily cup of morning coffee. Holly recently quoted "If you're not living on the edge...you're taking up too much space." I think this is a very inspirational quote we could all apply somewhere in our lives. Holly has taught me that life is so short, Make the best of everyday and be grateful for every chance you have to live life to its fullest. To learn more about Holly click here. I love you girl, xo Alys

Celebrations & GiftAways

noreply@blogger.com (Alys) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 01:13:00 +0000

I have three bits of super exciting news! It is my 100th post today and I am so excited! It has been so fun to keep this online journal over the past 2 years. I love going back and seeing the progress I have made from changing my hairstyle "Yes, I know that was a much needed improvement" to watching my business, and children grow. It has been such a blast getting to know all of you! Reading your blogs and learning about love, life, and business all while getting lost in the beautiful photography accompanied by clever words of wisdom.

I am also super excited to announce that Blogging for Bliss by Tara Frey is now at your local Barnes & Noble! It was so surreal to see my business, name, and photos in a real life coffee table book! Thank you Tara for featuring me and my business. This book is so beautiful, the photography is amazing, and it really is a great manual for even us aged bloggers. From simple photography tips to basic html blog coding with easy to follow tutorials, you will find it very useful. I have been lost in it for the past 2 nights and can't wait to visit all the blogs listed in the book.

And last but not least it is time for a GiftAway! Whoot Whoot!! I love winning prizes "even though historically I don't seem to be a bigger winner of contests" so I thought it would be fun to celebrate with a giftaway! The list of everything you can win is below. All you need to do is leave a comment here on my blog, on August 1st I will have a random number generator choose the lucky winner!

You can enter this contest from July 18th through July 31st. I will be posting this on both of my blogs so feel free to enter one time on either blog. Included in this GiftAway
*French Bonjour Sap Bucket
*Blogging for Bliss-By Tara Frey
*Pair Linen Embroidered Crown Tea Towels
*Caldrea Candle~So Yum
*Mini Bud Vase with Crystal Wrap
*Altered Art Vintage Necklace & Matching Earrings
*Crocheted Dresser Scarf
*Beaded Dresser Pillow
*Antique French Perfume Bottle filled with Bath Salts
*Pink Pottery Vase with Roses
*Rhinestone Double Picture Frame
Best of luck to all of you, xo Alys

Be sure to check back on August 4th to mingle with us at the Blogging for Bliss Party! Every girl likes a party and this is sure to be a good time!

SummerTime Romance

noreply@blogger.com (Alys) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:56:00 +0000

This past weekend I was able to shoot the engagement photos for this beautiful couple. They are getting married in August here in Utah and asked me if I would be their photographer. I was so excited about this shoot, as they are simply drop dead gorgeous and so much fun to be around. I have just picked this hobby up over the past year and am having a great time learning all the trick of the trade! If any of you would like for me to take your photos I would be so happy too!
I thought it would be fun to share some of my personal favs from the shoot, Enjoy! xo, Alys

Grandpa Rocks!

noreply@blogger.com (Alys) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:04:00 +0000

My girls have the best grandpa in the entire world. He is one of those guys that make you feel like you are the most special person on the planet. He is caring, kind, compassionate, and has the biggest heart in the world. We are so lucky to have this incredible man in our lives and we believe he walks on water. The girls were talking today about their pops and these are some of the things they said they love about him...
*Because you think we are angels...you even call our hair feathers
*You play with us for hours and never get tired
*Because you listen to all of our stories
*Every time you get a drink you always get us one too
*Because you have never gotten mad
*Bike rides with you are always fun
*You take us anywhere we want to go and have fun with us
*Because you always smell so good
*You are always there for us when we need you
*You believe in us and always encourage us
*You always tell us about your dreams
*You line dry your pants because you like the crispy feeling from the sun
*Because you raise our chickens
*You take us places nobody else does
*You trust us and teach us
*Anytime we want to play a game your are always up for it
*When we were little you always let us walk in your boots
*You always buy us donuts
*Because you have cute eyes
*And most of all because you love us!

GRANDPA YOU ROCK, WE LOVE YOU POPS!

The Summer Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Alys) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 04:42:00 +0000

A Natural Pick Me Up

noreply@blogger.com (Alys) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 03:42:00 +0000

I have been needing a pick me up lately with everything going on in our family, so tonight I decided to put my camera around my neck, grab a glass of wine, and head outside. I am ashamed to say I don't spend near enough time in my yard as I use to, it kinda maintains itself at this point. A few years back I planted these gorgeous pink wild rose bushes and the climbing honeysuckle around my gazebo in the backyard. It was so refreshing and invigorating walking up to the gazebo tonight and seeing these in full bloom.

I've been kinda feeling like my lovely goddess statue lately...Minus the lovely and loosing my head a bit!

I sat outside and really reflected on my life and all things important to me. I am so grateful to have a beautiful place among mother nature to go and meditate when times are hard. Cheers to you and all of your beautiful invigorating outdoor spaces. xo, Alys

Surprise Birthday Bedroom Makeover

noreply@blogger.com (Alys) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:23:00 +0000

This past weekend The Hunk and I spent remodelling and redecorating my daughter Aspens bedroom for her birthday. She is going into Junior High School and her bedroom was a bit outdated for her age. She is also having her tonsils taken out this month and we thought this would be a nice surprise for her to relax and veg out in while she is recovering from her surgery. She had no idea I was planning this! She left for the weekend to grandmas house and we got right to work. "If any of you are thinking about doing this I HIGHLY RECOMMEND doing it while the kids are away...We took out 6 bags of treasures/ I mean trash that over her dead body would she have let us remove!"

I love the way this room makeover turned out. I had hinted around asking her if she could have her room any color what color would she want and she said Plum & Green...I was thinking how in the world and I going to pull off Plum & Green, If you have been to my home you know I love neutrals and warm earth tones. I am shocked at how gorgeous this all came together!

This chandelier was a 15.00 flea market find. I painted it black with high gloss paint and added the antique french beaded shades and crystals to give it a very chic look.

You should have seen her face when she walked into her new bedroom! She said, "Mom I can't believe it, I didn't even know my room could look this awesome! Wow, I don't know what I love the most, the chandelier, futon, or the flat screen TV!" I guess all the hard work paid off, she loves it!

The wall decals were something new for me to try out and I love how they really make the walls pop. I purchased them at Ikea, however you can buy them online as well.

Grove and Garden; Signum Pro Vita

noreply@blogger.com (Alys) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:30:00 +0000

A good friend of mine and local artist Gary Killpack will be exhibiting his art work at the Grove and Garden: Signum Pro Vita art gallery located at The Covey Center Art Gallery. It will be open Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and is free. The opening reception is June 5 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.; the public is welcome, black tie affair. This will be one of the highlights of my summer and I look forward to seeing you all there! xo Alys

Summer Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Alys) — Mon, 25 May 2009 05:04:00 +0000

Max

noreply@blogger.com (Alys) — Fri, 15 May 2009 03:49:00 +0000

Today I finally got to photograph the newest addition to our extended family "Max". He is just adorable and was so much fun to photograph. He doesnt like to lay on his tummy so we were unable to get a little cute tooshy shot, which is probably a good thing as I am his aunt, and he may grow up and hate me for posting his naked bum on my blog for all to see anyways. The photos turned out so beautiful and I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite snaps with you. xo, Alys

Girls Rule, Boys Drool

noreply@blogger.com (Alys) — Wed, 13 May 2009 04:48:00 +0000

It is officially the start of summer, or should I say the "Mom" taxi is officially in business! Around this time every year I find myself with little me time and a whole lot of driving to and from practices, games, parties and summer fun. This year we have waterpark passes, guitar & singing lessons, plans to go on a trip, regular daily errands, and the list never ends. So if you see me out driving the girls from point A to point B wave Hello, I am sure it will be much needed! And remember...as the softball team told me today, Girls Rule Boys Drool! xo Alys

Happy Mothers Day

noreply@blogger.com (Alys) — Sun, 10 May 2009 05:09:00 +0000

Mothers day comes around once a year and I am always reminded how lucky I am to be a mother. I have the best little girls in the entire world! They are so carrying, giving and loving to one another, and are each others best friends. Growing up I didn't have a sister, however being a mother to these wonderful little girls has let me share in the joy of sisterhood. I love my girls and the blessings they bring each and everyday to my life. To all the Mothers, Aunts, Grandmas and Friends enjoying this Mothers Day Weekend, I hope your heart is filled with joy celebrating the loved ones in your life. Happy Mothers Day

Spring Blossoms

noreply@blogger.com (Alys) — Sun, 03 May 2009 17:19:00 +0000

Spring is one of my favorite times of year. With all the trees in bloom and the earth coming out of winters hibernation it truly is a gorgeous time here in Utah. Today I drove around my town and took photos of all the beautiful trees in bloom. It was so much fun to see all the different variations in color, texture and scent. Some of the trees smelled so good you could eat them, and others had a horrible rancid odor. I thought it would be fun to share some of the photos I took with you. xo, Alys