tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91160321699146184662024-03-13T14:29:25.006-04:00The 25th HourMelissa, The 25th Hourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609932948355742017noreply@blogger.comBlogger247125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116032169914618466.post-59273787509696928462013-10-01T21:57:00.001-04:002013-10-01T21:58:54.257-04:00Skytop Apple Orchard | Flat Rock, NC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rZ8YjVDHPpI/UksjK7mbbZI/AAAAAAAAFN8/_UAcZj6VzcM/s640/SkyTop.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nZ_59avcPLs/UksrHiPQ1sI/AAAAAAAAFOU/721BKxM3vgE/s640/AppleOrchard13.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZp523U-t74/UksrFaVhdZI/AAAAAAAAFOM/SszG8OBMcNs/s640/Bushel_of_Apples.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Right on top of the mountain lived the perfect apple orchard where all your dreams of apple slushies, apple donuts, apple butter and apple cider could come alive. A couple weekends ago, some friends and I made our way to Flat Rock, NC and spent the afternoon picking our favorite apples and giving our sweet tooth something to talk about. It was also the perfect afternoon to use my new Canon 60D camera (upgrade!). Nothing like picking apples with the mountains surrounding you and friends right by your side.<br />
<br />
We even had an impromptu photo shoot of Tommy + Laura <a href="http://www.the-25thhour.com/2013/09/tomahawk-laurabird.html">here</a>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eYfveEV2Mvs/Uks0oCLsKVI/AAAAAAAAFOk/gWNbgsYWjiY/s1600/AppleOrchard6blog.jpg" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oxTCK-WsP4s/Ukt3lIjVRQI/AAAAAAAAFPo/OYwB-I_g2yw/s640/AppleOrchard19.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aoJTiy9RdgQ/Uks2OkaRwHI/AAAAAAAAFO4/CkPN_RcsglY/s640/AppleDonuts.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RpyI2njFw_Y/Uks3Nv0eiFI/AAAAAAAAFPE/-1MtW4ezHj8/s640/AppleOrchard11.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--KXYOp2gp3E/Uks4gKSN1iI/AAAAAAAAFPY/dse8Wc3vMxc/s640/AppleOrchard20.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5asUN3CxD8w/Ukt5Uga3A_I/AAAAAAAAFQQ/W_A2bWW29l4/s640/AppleOrchard5.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L0OYVwOx0og/Ukt49SckdyI/AAAAAAAAFP0/SiB4z7jaJAQ/s640/AppleOrchard10.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KyD2byY9128/Ukt5Ci94A0I/AAAAAAAAFP8/-bKgflZAJFI/s640/AppleOrchard14.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQPMQ3b1zOc/Ukt5T-i9vDI/AAAAAAAAFQM/pWGOBpk5dgI/s640/AppleOrchard21.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="476" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yBpGq_H-Wtk/Ukt5FaG1b4I/AAAAAAAAFQE/Cror809OSOg/s640/AppleOrchardblog.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I love these mountains.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yx_jjILTB7E/Ukt8_uCzTwI/AAAAAAAAFQg/s5RKHVNsa_4/s1600/AppleOrchard15blog.jpg" /></div>
Melissa, The 25th Hourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609932948355742017noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116032169914618466.post-27108972278462692772013-09-29T16:53:00.000-04:002013-09-29T16:53:33.594-04:00Tomahawk + Laurabird<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-06w68GY-3MY/UkiPxCkuL-I/AAAAAAAAFNI/QBl_KQYBXfw/s1600/blog+post1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-06w68GY-3MY/UkiPxCkuL-I/AAAAAAAAFNI/QBl_KQYBXfw/s1600/blog+post1.jpg" /></a>
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cgrdYUPQUHo/UkiQJqjGMpI/AAAAAAAAFNQ/GzaJpzPm3o4/s1600/blogpost2.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rwRObS0pmRs/UkiRx6Go1mI/AAAAAAAAFNo/oFtuGM2R59s/s1600/blogpost4.jpg" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GWhXLtyndZA/UkiQxvFojyI/AAAAAAAAFNY/SoDNTBiuKdE/s1600/Tommy&Laurablog3.jpg" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ctQpyJs97Rw/UkiRx_n_VXI/AAAAAAAAFNk/dG83nbAm0pA/s1600/blogpost5.jpg" /><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nkh5t-eGEVs/UkiPe9OFNuI/AAAAAAAAFNA/NEU5XbjGSss/s640/Tommy&Laura8.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Birds of a feather flock together.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sometimes living in the mountains has its perks like living close to the perfect apple orchard. In between yummy apple cider donuts, apple picking and apple slushies, I just had to take advantage of photographing these little love birds. They let me use them as models while I tried my new camera (yay!) before my big wedding gig. Thank you Laura + Tommy for being the most naturally photogenic couple! You both are so beautiful inside and out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
More apple orchard pictures to come!</div>
Melissa, The 25th Hourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609932948355742017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116032169914618466.post-31425407588253555812013-09-25T20:52:00.000-04:002013-09-25T20:57:37.304-04:00JOSEPH + KATIE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C3cfcpVv44I/UkN5wLr6ERI/AAAAAAAAFL0/YGSa_8020xk/s640/Joseph_Katie08.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7FuoaxuDL7s/UkN7dGSv4OI/AAAAAAAAFMA/hqnqBpaAiqk/s1600/Joseph_Katie02smaller.jpg" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vkifjlnyPuo/UkN-eCYpX5I/AAAAAAAAFMM/B65Cg4IkoCs/s1600/JKBlog.jpg" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FkO072kHKHg/UkN_4hUXZ2I/AAAAAAAAFMo/jvcUrlDNrf8/s640/Joseph_Katie10.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OwNw6wPrngM/UkN_dkujmfI/AAAAAAAAFMY/K4WtQLzJK0k/s640/Joseph_Katie11.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-noCnLzLv48o/UkOAP2dYW1I/AAAAAAAAFMw/H_aev1kvIoI/s640/Joseph_Katie13.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CXRD6puJ5DQ/UkN_kxn4JuI/AAAAAAAAFMg/INumTdO6neE/s640/Joseph_Katie07.jpg" width="640" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The mountains - the beautiful backdrop for a beautiful kind of love.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Joseph and Katie met and fell in love with these mountains as their backdrop. It was only appropriate to take some photographs of them in celebration of their engagement. One sunny morning they dressed up, slipped their Chacos on and we took off to Pretty Place and Lake Sudie of Camp Greenville. Aren't they a beautiful couple?<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The mountains are a beautiful place and it is wonderful watching love grow from them. Here's to Joseph and Katie, my wonderful camp friends. I love that even with their fancy button ups, dresses, dressy shirts and one heck of an engagement ring, they are still rockin' the Chacos. Yeah, definitely camp folk :)</div>
Melissa, The 25th Hourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609932948355742017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116032169914618466.post-9524857015888495462013-09-09T20:14:00.003-04:002013-09-09T20:14:57.145-04:00"Nobody Likes You When You're Twenty-Three"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lCphokVbug0/Ui5Zc0Qk1bI/AAAAAAAAFKs/Ejog6QD0MO4/s1600/Turning23.png" width="640" /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Welcome to the beginning of your mid twenties.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
[insert quarter life crisis]</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past week I turned twenty-three and I felt the heavy weight of what felt like a quarter life crisis. After my dramatic reaction to misplacing my keys and cancelling my trip to Atlanta, I realized the root of the panic was my reality of turning 23. Each year I find it more difficult to "find my place" and find confirmation that I am headed in the right direction. From the first day of Kindergarten to graduating college, society had left some what of a skeleton plan for each individual. You go to school for x amount of years, you pick from x amount of majors and then you pick graduate school or a full-time position afterwards. Fortunately, my life stopped following that formula a year ago.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Instead of looking at 23 as one heck of a brick wall in terms of choosing the next direction, I see it as a hunk of opportunity. <b>Twenty-two opened my eyes to new possibilities and 23 will open up my heart.</b> I spent most of 22 feeling pressured, lost and unqualified. I picked from paths others tried to lead me in and second guessed any plan I had of my own. I am blessed to be where 22 has lead me, but I owe it to myself to be open to my 23-year-old soul and listen to its ideas, as ridiculous or expensive as they are.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thank you 22 for being so patient, adaptive, critical and open to positions you never thought you'd be in. I have grown this past year more deeply and passionately than previous years. I have found more things to love and appreciate. I have learned to trust and be proud of the work I have created. I have fallen to the pressure only to be picked up by new possibilities. I have traveled and experienced some of the most beautiful places. I surprised myself. I allowed my heart to grow. I have simplified life in order to focus on the important things. I have seen life cruelties reminding myself to always be kind and put people first. I will always do what I love and love what I do and never again fall short to a standard.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A rock star once reminded me to actively participate rather than continuously anticipate, to accept what challenges you and defy gravity. This year I will do just that.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
//</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I know I have been absent from this blog for quite some time, but it has led me to some much needed clarity, on and off the blog. It allowed me to completely focus on the moment and think about the next step. I needed to unplug and get lost in my 25th hour for awhile. Hope you understand :)</div>
Melissa, The 25th Hourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609932948355742017noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116032169914618466.post-85215956414367237522013-06-11T16:50:00.001-04:002013-06-11T16:50:25.999-04:00Life at Camp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pe8LvwmfopM/UbeAsGhAcEI/AAAAAAAAFF4/tG84NB82NR0/s1600/camplife.png" /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The best things in life come unexpected. Also known as, the next three months of my life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This week marks week three<b> </b>of my new camp lifestyle and position. What a ride it has been! Within weeks, my camp experience has been filled with new faces, strangers turned into friends, Chaco tans, facing fears, personal + work challenges, overcoming mountains...literally and figuratively, exploration, long working hours and simple living. I never thought I would be living at a camp as a Digital Media Specialist, but now I wouldn't want it any other way. For all the moments of pure exhaustion, physically, creatively and emotionally, there are more moments of accomplishment, adventure and pure fun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our theme at camp this summer is "Defy Gravity"... meaning to overcome the weight of everything that brings us down. Whether that be our circumstances, other individuals, our personal flaws and challenges, we can lighten that load through understanding, acceptance, forgiveness and a little faith. Our hearts may break and trust may be severed, but the true test is how we handle each situation and overcome them. One thing I have quickly learned from arriving at camp was <i>truly<b> </b></i>dealing with the extra weight in my little heart that I have carried with me. It may have hindered some healing and made facing some personal or professional fears and challenges more difficult. As fast-paced as camp life can be, it actually has slowed down my mind enough to recognize the areas I have neglected in past years and give me some moments of clarity.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>This summer I plan to:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
forgive</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
explore new territory</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
give work my best effort</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
not just meet, but connect with new friends</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
heal</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
live a healthier lifestyle - spirit, mind and body</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
treat myself</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
go beyond the surface</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
be the best version of myself</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
get an awesome Chaco tan</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
reflect</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
overcome mountains</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
get a stronger mind and body</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
have fun</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
drink more tea and less coffee</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
put smiles on kid's faces</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
lend a helping hand</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
open my heart</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
keep my mind open</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
do what I love and love what I do </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
learn</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
grow</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
eat more apples</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
have more adventures</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
get rid of the extra weight (figuratively and probably literally, too)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
be myself</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
love myself</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
love others</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
challenge myself</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
accept others</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
and defy gravity. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have had a rough time understanding and accepting some challenges I was faced with earlier in the year, but it has lead me to here. Right now. This moment. For that, I am thankful and each day my trust gets stronger for what the universe has in store for me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Although I have internet access and (some) cell service in my office, my communication with the "outside" world is quite limited. Please be patient as I answer emails, catch up on blog life and find balance in it all. Don't be offended is my response is delayed!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also, if you want to write to be at camp this summer, email me and I can send you the mailing address.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'd love to be pen pals :)</div>
Melissa, The 25th Hourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609932948355742017noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116032169914618466.post-40912197728891624872013-06-06T14:26:00.001-04:002013-06-06T14:26:52.156-04:00Find Me at Poppy The Blog!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RBDUx8vpCRE/UbChyXBv4-I/AAAAAAAAFFo/5ucC2aULPKU/s1600/wmmelissa.jpg" /></div>
Did you know?<br />I am being <a href="http://poppyeventsblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/wonderfully-made-featuring-25th-hour.html">featured</a> today over at Poppy The Blog for her Wonderfully Made series. I blogged about how much I loved this blog series and now I get to be a part of it!<br />
<br />
Be sure to check out <a href="http://poppyeventsblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/wonderfully-made-featuring-25th-hour.html">the post</a> over at Kristyn's blog.<br />
Writing the post was a great reminder what a full life of adventure, creation and surprises I have. I should be thankful for every moment of it.<br />
<br />
PS - I have been transitioning into my new summer position at a camp doing what I love working with video and photography, therefore, my blog posts have been non-existent. I can't wait to share my camp experiences with everyone and the great people and environment I get to surround myself with everyday.Melissa, The 25th Hourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609932948355742017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116032169914618466.post-38021254526090866282013-05-28T09:00:00.000-04:002013-05-28T09:00:04.520-04:00Cheating on Tuesday Tunes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gIwI3BH5gO4/UZ8JcQv7DrI/AAAAAAAAFFQ/-OgAyav1fUA/s1600/MIX+12+-+FAVORITES+-+Happerly.png" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<i>yes that's me haha)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last Friday, I <a href="http://www.happerlyeverafter.com/my-blog/2013/05/guest-post-fun-friday.html">guest posted</a> for Happerly Ever After and since I am in the midst of packing and organizing for my new summer position at a camp, I am cheating this Tuesday Tunes by "recycling" a mix I already made ;) Hope that's okay!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ali and I have a shared appreciation for a good playlist so it was only fitting I'd make one :) Plus, these are a compilation of my favorite of songs...if you could even choose. They have been my best friend, mentor, passenger and family. Each song has touched my heart deeply and hope it does for the same for you. Go <a href="http://www.happerlyeverafter.com/my-blog/2013/05/guest-post-fun-friday.html">visit her blog</a> and be sure to take a listen! You will get to know me just a <i>little</i> better :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Like I say, <b>you need nothing more than a good playlist, good company and good intentions.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have a great weekend!</div>
<center style="text-align: left;">
</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-size: large;">PS</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Did you enter the <a href="http://agirlnamedleney.blogspot.com/2013/05/blog-design-giveaway-with-25th-hour.html">custom blog design giveaway</a> hosted by A Girl Named Leney & I?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
You should probably do so :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Giveaway ends June 4! Check her blog for more details.</div>
</center>
Melissa, The 25th Hourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609932948355742017noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116032169914618466.post-81585316762714445412013-05-24T09:00:00.000-04:002013-05-24T10:16:37.682-04:00Friday Favorites | Week 002<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-adyp0vvrNU0/UZkdvfs6-8I/AAAAAAAAFAw/khgvUKhSQlc/s1600/FF+002.png" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">harvest records | asheville, nc</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">( <i>image by melissa vega)</i></span></div>
<br />
Welcome to another week of Friday Favorites! This new blog series may or may not be my new favorite posts to write! Actually, spending more time blogging in general has been a nice sigh of relief and creative outlet. This week I am featuring some music, advice from a notable graphic designer/blogger, a little fashion, photography concepts and another blog! Say what?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgAHIPCFiZk/UZVZiEu8OSI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/hSoNov5AYjM/s1600/star.png" /> <a href="http://www.hellosuburbia.com/2013/03/from-across-table.html" target="_blank">FROM ACROSS THE TABLE</a> | HELLO SUBURBIA</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AWx5sQHL2wA/UZh4G6VWqwI/AAAAAAAAE_Y/u4SpWKOM2xY/s640/hellosuburbiachair.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>photo by Hello Suburbia</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lisa, of <a href="http://www.hellosuburbia.com/" target="_blank">Hello Suburbia</a> had a beautiful and unique concept of photographing her view <i>from across the table</i> in various locations. It is a view that we are all accustomed to, yet never consciously think about. After her blog post, I can now say I do. I think her series changes perspectives and makes your view of across the table a little more deep and intimate than it used to.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgAHIPCFiZk/UZVZiEu8OSI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/hSoNov5AYjM/s1600/star.png" /> <a href="http://www.designlovefest.com/2013/05/thinking-of-original-ideas/" target="_blank">ORIGINALITY ADVICE</a> | DESIGN LOVE FEST<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iNQALcWTwDw/UZh6dnYe-CI/AAAAAAAAE_w/Q6ghedyPKTA/s640/Screen+shot+2013-05-19+at+3.03.52+AM+copy.png" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Design Love Fest has been one of my favorite design go-to blogs for quite some time. Bri and her team of influentially creative women also write an <a href="http://www.designlovefest.com/category/advice-2/" target="_blank">advice column</a> and host Blog Shops to help us young creative folk turn our ideas into a tangible product. Her latest advice about coming up with original ideas was extremely helpful! Check out her <a href="http://www.designlovefest.com/2013/05/thinking-of-original-ideas/" target="_blank">short and sweet advice</a> about keeping it original in the pixels of recycled ideas.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgAHIPCFiZk/UZVZiEu8OSI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/hSoNov5AYjM/s1600/star.png" /> <a href="http://www.hannasplaces.com/topics/wear/" target="_blank">EVERLASTING APPAREL</a> | HANNA'S PLACES</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yg8w2B-l3wE/UZh8HxRnhAI/AAAAAAAAFAA/AqDixPyruhs/s640/everlastingapparel.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Everlasting Apparel is a blog series by Hanna created as an alternative to the typical <i>fashion blog</i>. Instead of focusing on the clothes to buy and the new trends to look for, her fashion feature focus on the individual's favorite piece of clothing. This represents getting away from the trend and wearing something meaningful and for a lifetime. This is a new series, but I can't wait to see it catch fire and see it grow. I was actually asked by Hanna to put together a post so hopefully I will have mine up soon :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgAHIPCFiZk/UZVZiEu8OSI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/hSoNov5AYjM/s1600/star.png" /> MODERN VAMPIRES OF THE CITY | VAMPIRE WEEKEND</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tz6C4uFuL_4/UZh_UPf1LZI/AAAAAAAAFAQ/lPxNwXwnDKE/s640/Vampire-Weekend-Modern-Vampires-of-the-4.21.2013.jph_.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have been anticipating this album release for quite some time now. After <a href="http://www.alisoncitron.com/blog/" target="_blank">Alison</a> and I heard "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mDxcDjg9P4" target="_blank">Step</a>" play in Cafe Helios in downtown Raleigh, I just knew I had to have this album. Although their days of "A-Punk" made Vampire Weekend feel like head-bobbin' and fast paced, this new album is phenomenal. Listen to it yourself!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgAHIPCFiZk/UZVZiEu8OSI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/hSoNov5AYjM/s1600/star.png" /> <a href="http://rootlessstree.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">TUMBLR</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7-T17e-QYf4/UZiCtxqRQPI/AAAAAAAAFAg/nBakZqUnrds/s1600/tumblr+post.png" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past week I rekindled my love affair with tumblr. Do any of you still blog using tumblr? It was definitely the original Pinterest (although Pinterest does have its perks). And yes, my URL is the Damien Rice song "Rootless Tree". There was a period of time during my high school days where this song meant the world to me. Still does, actually.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am off on some adventures this weekend! Can't wait to to share them :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Unplug this weekend,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
spend time with your loved ones</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
and give yourself a break!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You deserve it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
See you guys Monday...or maybe Tuesday ;) After all, it is a three-day weekend!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">PS</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Did you enter the <a href="http://agirlnamedleney.blogspot.com/2013/05/blog-design-giveaway-with-25th-hour.html">custom blog design giveaway</a> hosted by A Girl Named Leney & I?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You should probably do so :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Giveaway ends June 4! Check her blog for more details.</div>
Melissa, The 25th Hourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609932948355742017noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116032169914618466.post-75642854561960642972013-05-22T09:00:00.000-04:002013-05-22T09:00:09.433-04:00Hannah + Delilah<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Une1zCHskRA/UZu2DBpUKKI/AAAAAAAAFCc/AJZnGg940qs/s1600/hannah-delilah1.jpg" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ViY4G_2tEc/UZvA-xQyUjI/AAAAAAAAFEs/vWg0hPYhPfI/s1600/DSC_005910.jpg" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
A few weeks ago, I got to photograph my beautiful friend <a href="https://twitter.com/eohch">Hannah</a>, and her gorgeous pitbull Delilah. We wanted to get a few shots around City Market in Downtown Raleigh before she gave her pup to a new family :(. Photographing friends is such a great way to spend some quality time and do what you love with who you love! Enjoy our mini session. We will miss you Delilah, hope you love your new home.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bNqIVTVf1dA/UZu3rKQTahI/AAAAAAAAFC0/9TQRelMD5EQ/s1600/hannah-delilah2.jpg" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Mr6dw4wxEw/UZu5nlAG3EI/AAAAAAAAFDM/qXMlJULX_7o/s1600/hannah-delilah4.jpg" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="474" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KGs1nIzLR-4/UZu5TcoBdFI/AAAAAAAAFDE/tY2HuS9gMT8/s640/hannah-delilah3.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oYiWSVeQaUE/UZu6qyi0KTI/AAAAAAAAFDc/mkLLKvlkWAo/s1600/hannah-delilah5.jpg" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DpLnVmIxdEo/UZu7pBn170I/AAAAAAAAFDs/rhJo7aSmyo0/s1600/hannah-delilah6.5.jpg" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T8RQSyq2qqY/UZu9CGPVH1I/AAAAAAAAFD8/wly28_fTifM/s1600/hannah-delilah7.jpg" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
And a few more ones from our LinkedIn appropriate photos:<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G-M9Jgt8m5E/UZu-nLCM0VI/AAAAAAAAFEM/qxwgZo35_bA/s1600/hannah-delilah8.jpg" style="text-align: center;" /><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bbHBmCqrJic/UZvAFZAmNgI/AAAAAAAAFEc/Wt8vkzYLFqk/s1600/hannah-delilah9.jpg" style="text-align: center;" /><br />
<br />
Love you Hannah!Melissa, The 25th Hourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609932948355742017noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116032169914618466.post-43354500308037198142013-05-21T09:57:00.002-04:002013-05-21T09:57:42.362-04:00BLOG DESIGN GIVEAWAY!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R8Qb-IubTlo/UZlMUv6w9HI/AAAAAAAAFBA/llMIKTH1Ico/s1600/Blog+Design+Leney.png" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So excited to announce my <a href="http://agirlnamedleney.blogspot.com/2013/05/blog-design-giveaway-with-25th-hour.html"><b>CUSTOM BLOG DESIGN</b> giveaway</a> hosted by <a href="http://www.agirlnamedleney.com/">A Girl Named Leney</a>. I recently launched <a href="http://www.melissa-vega.com/">MAV Designs</a>, where I capture those raw, organic moments and ideas in life through graphic design and photography. In celebration, let's throw a giveaway party and have one of you out there get a free custom blog design by yours truly!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Head over to her <a href="http://agirlnamedleney.blogspot.com/2013/05/blog-design-giveaway-with-25th-hour.html">blog</a> to enter the giveaway.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Good luck!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'd love to work with you all :)</div>
Melissa, The 25th Hourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609932948355742017noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116032169914618466.post-68585230524255506672013-05-21T09:00:00.000-04:002013-05-21T10:50:22.235-04:00Tuesday Tunes | Mix No. 11<iframe height="640" src="http://8tracks.com/mixes/1765900/player_v3_universal" style="border: 0px none;" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This playlist is best played with the city as your backdrop and dreams in your pocket ++</span></span></div>
<div>
<i><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div>
<i><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">song list</span></b></i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Locked Out - Freelance Whales</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Step - Vampire Weekend</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Getting Old - Hellogoodbye</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Get Out - Casey Abrams</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. </span>The Summer - Josh Pyke</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">6. </span>Matilda - Alt-J</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">7. </span>Hold On When You Get Love and Let Go When You Give It - Stars</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">8. </span>Green Gloves - The National</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">9. </span>Anything But You - Civalias</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">10. </span>The Light - The Album Leaf</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The top ten tracks for this week are from some new favorite artists and a few forever favorites. During my road trip to Atlanta last week, my friend's car played a handful of these songs and I couldn't help but feel like my dreams were right in my pocket. I hope these songs find their way into your week!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy Listening.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Listen on: <a href="http://8tracks.com/melissaashley/mix-11-top-ten/" target="_blank">8tracks</a></span><br />
<br />
Any tracks that you are digging this week?<br />
I'd love to hear!<br />
<br />
( photo // instagram: <a href="http://www.instagram.com/mashleyvega">@mashleyvega</a>)</div>
Melissa, The 25th Hourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609932948355742017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116032169914618466.post-83584896874970353382013-05-18T02:00:00.000-04:002013-05-18T02:00:57.886-04:00Friday Favorites | Week 001<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<i>This is obviously a day late, but let's ignore the fact it's actually Saturday and pretend it's Friday)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XoH40ZtbQB4/UZUJElGR2CI/AAAAAAAAE98/X94a3llr33w/s1600/FF+001.png" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.instagram.com/mashleyvega" target="_blank">(photo - instagram @mashleyvega)</a></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Inspired by Tastes Like Love's "<a href="http://tasteslikelove.blogspot.com/search/label/Start%20Your%20Week%20Off%20With.." target="_blank">Start Your Week Off With...</a>" blog series, I wanted to share with my readers inspiring posts or ideas I have collected from around the internet. People are truly the root of all my inspirations and I am constantly inspired by their honesty, creativity and talent. Here are a few favorites I'd like to share this week:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgAHIPCFiZk/UZVZiEu8OSI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/hSoNov5AYjM/s1600/star.png" /> #ABEAUTIFULMESS <a href="http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2013/05/a-beautiful-mess-app-is-in-the-itunes-store-now.html" target="_blank">IPHONE APP</a><br />
Um, seriously can Elsie + Emma get anymore talented? Surely you know their blog, <a href="http://www.abeautifulmess.com/" target="_blank">A Beautiful Mess</a>. Well now they have gone <i>mobile</i> and created a photo-editing app that will add that special handmade touch to your photos. I have only edited a couple photos so far but this app seriously makes me want to go back and edit all the instagrams I have ever instagrammed.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7OKPFyAWiZY/UZVYKjG6rAI/AAAAAAAAE-M/P6wcn1FwsLY/s1600/ABM+app.png" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgAHIPCFiZk/UZVZiEu8OSI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/hSoNov5AYjM/s1600/star.png" /> <a href="http://www.relevantmagazine.com/culture/tech/stop-instagramming-your-perfect-life" target="_blank">INSTAGRAM'S ENVY EFFECT</a><br />
Below is a preview of an amazing article written last month about the danger of social media's well-edited, filtered partial truths and the envy effect we all seem to suffer from it. It was a great reminder that life cannot be captured in status updates and that although social media is a great tool, be careful to not use it for comparison, but rather connection.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JITuJHzuBhw/UZVbHg8p7YI/AAAAAAAAE-o/A_c4Exe_0MU/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-05-16+at+6.16.24+PM.png" /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgAHIPCFiZk/UZVZiEu8OSI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/hSoNov5AYjM/s1600/star.png" /> <a href="http://www.flowerchilddwelling.com/2013/05/to-women.html" target="_blank">TO WOMEN BY THE FLOWER CHILD DWELLING</a><br />
A beautifully written article by Kelly Ann taking on the topic of feminism and women encouraging other women versus berating other women for taking a different route. Kelly references the incredible accomplishments women have made throughout history and the challenges they have faced and conquered. Kelly reminds us women to stick together, support one another and believe in ourselves.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m640/hellokellyann/flowerchild%20blog/posts/43F9CDF6.jpg~original" width="640" /></div>
<i>photo by <a href="http://www.flowerchilddwelling.com/" target="_blank">Kelly Ann</a></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgAHIPCFiZk/UZVZiEu8OSI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/hSoNov5AYjM/s1600/star.png" /> <a href="http://www.poppyeventsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/wonderfully%20made" target="_blank">WONDERFULLY MADE SERIES</a> // POPPY THE BLOG</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oxcQ7yGfz8E/UZcWQIJRw9I/AAAAAAAAE-4/z1Fdaomf3Oo/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-05-18+at+1.48.34+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oxcQ7yGfz8E/UZcWQIJRw9I/AAAAAAAAE-4/z1Fdaomf3Oo/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-05-18+at+1.48.34+AM.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Kristyn started a blog series named "Wonderfully Made" to showcase and celebrate who we are as women. On her guest posts, she asks her bloggers to list what three things they love about themselves. I am in absolute love with this concept. We as humans are susceptible to focusing on our "flaws" versus our strengths along with viciously comparing ourselves to one another. This is a great series to take a step back from our short comings and focus on what makes us thrive. Beautiful series!</div>
<br />
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgAHIPCFiZk/UZVZiEu8OSI/AAAAAAAAE-Y/hSoNov5AYjM/s1600/star.png" /> THE LIGHT // THE ALBUM LEAF<br />
Just listen and you will understand. This song will forever remind of the tv show Scandal (any fans out there?!). It is beautifully composed and a well thought out piece of music. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MlXAf7RUJdc" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
Anything you'd like to share this weekend?<br />I think it is extremely important to share and support other individual's content and creativity! I come across so many beautiful pieces of work and I can't help but want to share it with everyone :)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
See you readers on Monday!</div>
Melissa, The 25th Hourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609932948355742017noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116032169914618466.post-34684111505978149702013-05-08T09:00:00.000-04:002013-05-08T09:00:06.097-04:00Recent Work: Pink Avenue Blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--rUW8njHK00/UYKs1q4ht7I/AAAAAAAAE6k/NpaelHUDoYY/s1600/Pink+Avenue+Screen+Shot.png" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Corinne, the fashionable blogger behind <a href="http://www.pinkavenueblog.com/" target="_blank">Pink Avenue</a>, wanted a clean, chic, organized and sophisticated new blog design for her transition from the name The Lookbook to Pink Avenue. I am extremely gracious she asked me to be a part of her blog launch! She has so much style, I only wish my closet was half as gorgeous as hers. Plus, she is beautiful...inside and out! Definitely give Corinne a visit if you are looking for fashion inspiration and a cute one year old named Vera!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you would like to work together on a blog design, <a href="http://www.the-25thhour.com/p/contact_27.html" target="_blank">contact me</a> and we can get started.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'd love to work with you!</div>
Melissa, The 25th Hourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609932948355742017noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116032169914618466.post-60524603207462351392013-05-02T09:00:00.000-04:002013-05-02T14:34:09.599-04:00Recent Work: Fabric Flower Designs Website<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="539" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zpu98RxidC4/UX89L62RgnI/AAAAAAAAE48/Wbr6vQkGFZE/s640/fabric+flower+website.png" width="640" /></div>
I am thrilled and honored to be a part of <a href="http://hannahrhawksworth.wix.com/fabricflowers" target="_blank">Fabric Flower Designs</a> branding and website design! Fabric Flower Designs is a small business created by [my best friend] Hannah Hawksworth, that offers brides custom-made fabric flower bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres. I am blown away by her talent and have already pre-hired her for my wedding [<i>in 15 years</i>]. Hehe.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We were inspired by her favorite color yellow and that special handmade touch. Since she already had her website built with Wix, I revamped her website adding some special touches and of course a custom logo! Check out her fresh new website and take a look around at her work/services. If you're a bride, definitely get in touch with Hannah about her custom bouquets. She will create something beautiful with you!<br />
<br />
What do you think about the site? I'd love to hear your feedback!<br />
<br />
If you would like some logo, brand development or web design, <a href="http://www.the-25thhour.com/p/contact_27.html" target="_blank">contact me</a>! :)<br />
<br />Melissa, The 25th Hourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609932948355742017noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116032169914618466.post-45222248174655969552013-05-01T09:00:00.000-04:002013-05-01T10:22:41.707-04:00Andrew + Nicole | A Day At Pullen Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aqAHlagFWPk/UX8xswmvHKI/AAAAAAAAE30/mOWwzJc1vXc/s640/Andrew+and+Nicole+park.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--fHuVlB42KY/UX826zSvBYI/AAAAAAAAE4s/CtiYej2Cfxk/s1600/andrew+tree+small.jpg" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a1EfvLutiX8/UX8x4y75fFI/AAAAAAAAE38/Gf9u6D_aia0/s640/DSC_1124+copy.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--l_VzDpjqgA/UX8x_5olG3I/AAAAAAAAE4E/Tzci_dRAF70/s640/Andrew+and+Nicole+arms.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p5patV7WxqM/UX8yYK2X9kI/AAAAAAAAE4M/JyIfLq4C2lw/s640/DSC_1108.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4x3EOmWd8wQ/UX82pMx3UVI/AAAAAAAAE4k/FgHj0euhL-k/s1600/small.jpg" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5uPPK_bB2A/UX8xj4ijO9I/AAAAAAAAE3s/o4JSm279Uao/s640/Andrew+and+Nicole.png" width="640" /></div>
<span id="goog_20861690"></span><span id="goog_20861691"></span>And the cutest couple award goes to...<br />
<br />
But seriously. We kind of had an impromptu photo shoot at Pullen Park because let's face it, I could not help myself but take photos of these adorable cats.<br />
<br />
I show my Mom these photos and go, "Aren't they just adorable?"<br />
and she replies, "Don't worry honey. You'll find someone one day."<br />
<br />
Gee, thanks Mom?<br />
<br />
Anyway, I am trying to build my <a href="http://www.melissa-vega.com/love" target="_blank">Couples Photography Portfolio</a>, so if you and your cutie pie want an impromptu photo shoot, <a href="http://www.melissa-vega.com/contact" target="_blank">contact me</a> and we can get started :) It's too beautiful of a season to <i>not</i> get awesome pictures you can frame and post all over our Facebook. Am I right?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.222892144501942.1073741831.127261060731718&type=1" target="_blank">See more photos here!</a> Be sure to like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/The25thHourBlog" target="_blank">The 25th Hour on Facebook</a>.Melissa, The 25th Hourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609932948355742017noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116032169914618466.post-57641201506006721652013-04-30T09:00:00.000-04:002013-04-30T09:00:13.070-04:00Tuesday Tunes: Mix No. 10<iframe height="650" src="http://8tracks.com/mixes/1292251/player_v3_universal" style="border: 0px none;" width="650"></iframe>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This playlist is best played after rainfall on the road to your new beginning ++</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">song list</span></b></i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Half Moon - Blind Pilot</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Pompeii - Bastille</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Planes Like Vultures - Le Loup</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Werewolf - CocoRosie</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Never Let Me Go - Florence + The Machine</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">6. Now I'm All Messed Up - Tegan and Sara</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">7. Oxford Comma - Vampire Weekend</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">8. Love Love Love - Avalanche City</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">9. 1961 - The Fray</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">10. In The Sea - Ingrid Michaelson</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have decided to change up Tuesday Tunes a little bit. Each week I will feature my "Top Ten" songs of the week that may have inspired an action or supported an emotion. I hope these songs will find their way into your week :) Enjoy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Listen on: <a href="http://8tracks.com/melissaashley/10#" target="_blank">8tracks</a></span></div>
Melissa, The 25th Hourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609932948355742017noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116032169914618466.post-20721398129793188482013-04-29T17:19:00.002-04:002013-04-29T17:19:51.316-04:00Shift In The Right Direction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="431" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g9EBYJdn9Mw/UXocH4uB3TI/AAAAAAAAE20/fzSSWBXoYO0/s640/salt+water+quote.png" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There is something calming and chaotic about the sea. Its immense </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
and vast character terrorizes me with its mystery. What lies beneath the sea? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But the true question always surfaces -</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>What lies ahead of me?</i></b> <br /><br />Even with the sea's restlessness, it remedies my unquiet mind.<br />The sea, like the future is a beautiful, beautiful thing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
++</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This week I needed some healing.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I needed to re-evaluate, find clarity, surround myself with people who believe in me</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
and see the opportunity of one massive door closing.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It is a new beginning, not an ending.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After this hiatus, I feel a lot better about the shift in direction my life is taking me.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I will never have all the right answers or make all the "right" decisions but that is not what life is</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
composed off. Life is not a carefully calculated series of perfect events right after one another.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You must make mistakes, struggle, feel lost, question everything and be spontaneous.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The only mistakes you make are the ones you don't learn from.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Here is to the beauty within all the chaos.</b></div>
Melissa, The 25th Hourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609932948355742017noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116032169914618466.post-30177004150388886592013-04-24T08:00:00.000-04:002013-04-29T18:15:18.038-04:00Inspiration with Renee of Wild Roses<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;">I’ve been trying to pair up with sweet Melissa to do some guest posting for ages, so when we finally were able to talk and schedule a time I was clap my hands happy. Then she said write a post about what inspires you and I thought, well crap. Why is that question always so hard? So I thought about what gives me that take-your-breath-away feeling. What makes me believe in all the things I dream of doing and makes my brain work a little quicker. A little wittier. The things that are once in a lifetime, these things can't be repeated you see. You can't bottle up the same inspiring moments to use again and again. They must be savored and remembered until you stumble across another. And another.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img alt="680cf8e719613c12df460145278f8fd5" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2874" src="http://wildrosesinfaith.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/680cf8e719613c12df460145278f8fd5.jpg" /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. I suppose what has inspired me my entire life is words. A well timed sentiment from my fiancé, short lovely poems, sentences carefully crafted to bring out an image or emotion, song lyrics. They all make me dream of bigger things. I planned to be a writer when I was young, and it still may happen. But blogging is a decent outlet for now. F. Scott Fitzgerald and EE Cummings are my favorites. </div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img alt="fdd07fc2b630e8ceb041f28632e22201" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2877" height="684" src="http://wildrosesinfaith.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/fdd07fc2b630e8ceb041f28632e22201.jpg" width="529" /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. The second, and I just wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t add it, is my faith. The gracefulness of God and His love keep me going everyday. It gives me peace about my future and excitement over what I’ll be able to do in my life. “<i>Because God is graceful, I am brave.” </i></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<i><img alt="e2c2c8eef5c2241d1fb121dfc930c22c" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2875" height="500" src="http://wildrosesinfaith.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/e2c2c8eef5c2241d1fb121dfc930c22c.jpg" width="500" /></i></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Beautiful typography is probably my most recent inspiration piece. Who knew the perfect combinations of fonts and placement could make such a difference? I think this all ties in with my mom being an interior designer. I’ve been raised to look for beauty and uniqueness my entire life. It’s just showing up in different ways in me. </div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. Which brings me to fashion. Well style really. I am a fashion/life blogger afterall. For me style and fashion are life typography, the right accessories and mix of pattern and color create something distinctive and entirely you. And lets just be honest for a moment. Nothing is “new” anymore. Creativity is just how you reinvent and combine the things that have already been done. So don’t be scared! Wear whatever you want and push yourself every now any then! Gold leggings are back for goodness sake!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="melissa blog" border="0" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2881" height="558" src="http://wildrosesinfaith.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/melissa-blog.jpg" width="469" /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I’ll leave it at four for now, I am a woman of many inspirations apparently. Thanks again to Melissa for inviting me to guest post! There’s nothing better that real life blogger friends! One day I’ll meet you in New York Melissa, Brooklyn maybe?</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img alt="d7eb35ca6ec82326f90641f36823b35d" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2873" height="719" src="http://wildrosesinfaith.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/d7eb35ca6ec82326f90641f36823b35d.jpg" width="500" /></div>
<br />
Thank you <a href="http://wildrosesinfaith.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Renee</a> for stopping by The 25th Hour and sharing your inspirations! I would absolutely meet you in NYC, you fashionista! I hope everyone has enjoyed her, "What Inspires You?" guest post during my not-so-planned blog hiatus. I have unintentionally unplugged for the past few days, but will be back to a regular schedule tomorrow after I sort through some things.<br />
<br />
Hope these inspirations cheered up some middle of the week blues! Happy Wednesday friends.<br />
Be sure to check out her <a href="http://wildrosesinfaith.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/reneeredd" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://instagram.com/reneeredd/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>!Melissa, The 25th Hourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609932948355742017noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116032169914618466.post-17514695291685381032013-04-19T09:00:00.000-04:002013-04-19T09:00:11.511-04:00I know what you're thinking. What in the world?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i7OFdyW7sIU/UXC8tWUxl_I/AAAAAAAAE2U/DDF5PSR4fT0/s1600/Melissa---Wrightsville-Beach.gif" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
This is me trying to model.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
This is me acting a fool.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
This is me highly entertained by my discomfort of being in front of the camera.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Enjoy this random gif and happy Friday!<br /><br />Oh, and if you haven't peeked at my newly launched <a href="http://www.melissa-vega.com/" target="_blank">portfolio website</a>, please stop by!</div>
Melissa, The 25th Hourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609932948355742017noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116032169914618466.post-41271051889477664872013-04-18T15:20:00.000-04:002013-04-18T15:20:22.539-04:00Portfolio Website Launch!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.melissa-vega.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVpkDLo4NwA/UXBFkOWIfWI/AAAAAAAAE18/Dzv4P-Pmctc/s1600/portfolio+website+post.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
*drumroll*</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After some frustrating and self-conscious days, I am excited to launch my portfolio website! Just like my creative journey, it is always a work in progress, but instead of trying to "perfect" every little detail on this website and be scared, I have finally opened up this heavy door. If you would like to take a peek at my personal + professional creative journey, you can now add <a href="http://www.melissa-vega.com/">www.melissa-vega.com</a> to your bookmarks!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You can find all sorts of photography and design on the blog and services I offer including <a href="http://www.melissa-vega.com/graphic-design-services" target="_blank">blog design</a>, branding, logo and anything design-related you can think of! I am officially accepting new clients for blog designs, so be sure to roam around the site. If our styles collide, I'd love to work with you.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive throughout this journey.<br />
Just remember, <i><b>this is just the beginning!</b></i><br />
I can't wait what for what is in store + the bright future.Melissa, The 25th Hourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609932948355742017noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116032169914618466.post-34048209400280965242013-04-16T14:11:00.003-04:002013-04-16T14:11:31.758-04:00Some Changes + A Portfolio Website<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--SC1LkmnkWI/UW2NYWH0oSI/AAAAAAAAE1k/XA8X_O2yKfs/s1600/Portfolio+Website.png" /></div>
It has been a little quiet around here because I have been trying to put together my portfolio and create a stable, organized online presence. Talk about frustrating, exciting, scary, vulnerable and downright tedious. In the midst of putting together my portfolio website, I am also trying to reorganize my blog. I feel like it has been a little chaotic and all over the place, so I want to develop this blog a little more clearly and create a stable schedule.<br />
<br />
Here's to new changes around the blog and to a portfolio website!<br />
More details to come!Melissa, The 25th Hourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609932948355742017noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116032169914618466.post-61641530457356883212013-04-12T13:23:00.000-04:002013-04-12T13:34:52.044-04:00Friday Means Ice Cream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K5UNxH8xJUA/UWg4PwWkVwI/AAAAAAAAEzA/3IM7sMO06PU/s1600/ice+cream+-+parlour.jpg" width="650" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I actually had this ice cream last Saturday in Durham, but ice cream is a good idea of day of the week, especially when it is homemade! I visited <a href="http://theparlourdurham.com/">The Parlour</a> last week. It is a cute mini school bus food truck that open up a brick-and-mortar shop in Downtown Durham that offers some of the best flavors including my favorite, Salted Butter Caramel.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you're in downtown Durham, go visit them at 117 Market St, or cross your fingers they show up at food truck rodeos/community events. I wish you all could lick your screens to get a taste of this ice cream, but sadly we don't have that kind of technology...<i>yet</i>.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yn4CooIDwUg/UWhCALn4lTI/AAAAAAAAEzY/cnqOIleYtsk/s400/photo.JPG" width="325" /><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4FZSmmyFuqI/UWhB-2KOQMI/AAAAAAAAEzQ/6OTchi1p4rI/s400/photo+(1).JPG" width="325" /></div>
<br />
Mmmmm... I can't stop staring at that ice cream...dripping down that waffle cone...Melissa, The 25th Hourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609932948355742017noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116032169914618466.post-71708791330820177222013-04-11T11:38:00.002-04:002013-04-11T11:38:24.169-04:00Find me at Third Floor Studios today!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thirdfloordesignstudio.blogspot.com/2013/04/guest-post-melissa-of-25th-hour.html"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xof4dPHR25E/UWQp-UspokI/AAAAAAAAEyQ/FgZty86NuAs/s1600/Lately+Loving+West+Elm.png" width="652" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The lovely Kimberly of Third Floor Design Studio has invited me to <a href="http://thirdfloordesignstudio.blogspot.com/2013/04/guest-post-melissa-of-25th-hour.html">guest post</a> today! Check out what I am loving from <a href="http://www.westelm.com/">West Elm</a> lately and how your space can inspire your creative spirit :)</div>
<br />Melissa, The 25th Hourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609932948355742017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116032169914618466.post-84079114102230242632013-04-10T08:00:00.000-04:002013-04-10T08:00:03.809-04:00Getting Inspired By: Third Floor Design Studio<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi friends! Kim here from <a href="http://thirdfloordesignstudio.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Third Floor Design Studio</a> - a blog about interior design + all things creative.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a5YLC3CjXQM/UWJYXBfjHcI/AAAAAAAAHZM/mmdq4p0MWiE/s1600/300x300mintedPic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a5YLC3CjXQM/UWJYXBfjHcI/AAAAAAAAHZM/mmdq4p0MWiE/s1600/300x300mintedPic.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As an interior designer I get the question, <i>"how can I give my room a facelift without breaking the bank?!"</i> a lot! Well, you see, design is in the details. The smallest changes can transform a space. I recently started a<a href="http://thirdfloordesignstudio.blogspot.com/2013/03/new-series-your-participation-counts.html" target="_blank"> new series on the blog</a> that solves this very problem + it gives you a chance to show off the changes you've made!<br />
<br />
introducing >>><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ANbaFnBp2xQ/UWJWkecvruI/AAAAAAAAHZA/bZqCB9x10Sc/s1600/designstudiochallengebasic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ANbaFnBp2xQ/UWJWkecvruI/AAAAAAAAHZA/bZqCB9x10Sc/s1600/designstudiochallengebasic.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I would LOVE to see you hop on over, say hello, and join in on the challenge! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
And a big thanks to the incredibly talented Melissa for having me today! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
___________________________________________</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Kimberly is such an inspiring and creative spirit! Her talents don't just stop at interior design, but fall into photography and graphic design. Be sure to check out her blog to join the challenge or stay inspired :) Thank you for stopping by!</div>
<br /></div>
Melissa, The 25th Hourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609932948355742017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116032169914618466.post-87728993781715164322013-04-09T08:00:00.000-04:002013-04-09T08:00:12.988-04:00Megan gets her braces off<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qOmkDqnqm5A/UWObNGa0LZI/AAAAAAAAExs/Ez-cm4xZz5k/s640/DSC_0068.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EQYxw3PuiuM/UWObP6HtywI/AAAAAAAAEx4/KF_10r-gfgs/s640/DSC_0070.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6O4e63r9yXs/UWObLM0iX7I/AAAAAAAAExU/MAcRjeEiV3A/s640/DSC_0023.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="475" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yGmK_YdNmSA/UWObMbMwp9I/AAAAAAAAExc/MKSHmwVZAvo/s400/DSC_0026.JPG" width="318" /><img border="0" height="475" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fg-kDYC9oCM/UWObMVwk6-I/AAAAAAAAExg/iDddYz9WlIA/s400/DSC_0059_1.JPG" width="318" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uyXGOXA3hjY/UWObPjco-dI/AAAAAAAAEx0/Eov3ynV5wTY/s640/DSC_0076.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
So... my beautiful little sister got her braces off! Wahoo! After three years of braces, brackets breaking, rubber bands, no popcorn (well, kind of), and food uncomfortably getting stuck in her teeth, she is free! Getting your braces off are like some sort of rite of passage for growing out of your teenage stage into early adulthood. And if you've never had braces, well, lucky you! (I suffered the same fate in high school.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I, of course, took advantage of this photo opportunity and made her model for me while I tried my new photo editing tools + practice some portrait shots. She's a trooper ;) We even took a trip to the beach for the sand shots! Okay, we used a volleyball court, but same thing right?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
First off comes the braces, then comes college & then comes everyone thinking she's the older one.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
They just grow up too fast!</div>
Melissa, The 25th Hourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10609932948355742017noreply@blogger.com11