If I Were A Boy - Beyonce

I just discovered this song. It's sweet and full of compassion to the man this person in the music story wants in her life and how she would be....

Summer Dresses

Some cute Summer dresses! :)

A very innocent look...

A cute girlie country look...

For the ones who like to show a lil skin...

A cool beachy, look...

Or if you want to show some elegant chic...

-Ally <3

Good Morning!

Good Morning Readers!

Today is a treat because im actually blogging in the morning! Usually the computer is used till night, so today is a once in a lifetime!

I'm squatting at the computer desk, because i have no idea were the desk chair went. my mom was using a close top laundry basket. Somehow is worked for her, but not me.

I want to share this book i just finished yesterday night.

Kat's Promise by Bonnie Shimko

Kat loses her Mother at only 12 years old. Not only is her heart broken, Katherine has to live with her horrible Aunt Paulina. Aunt Paulina is rich, rude and in Kat's mind, the lead to her Mother's death.

While meeting friends in a different town and healing the impossible hearts, Kat learns you have to stand up for yourself if you have no one else because certainly the selfish won't.

This book has a depth that goes beyond the pages. Many girls have lost sisters and Mothers to breast cancer and can relate to Kat. She felt all alone and helpless, but didn't realize that she really wasn't alone. She had help from above, a few caring friends and a family member that's priceless.

Ally

Thankful Thursday

I really have nothing to post, but today i decided will be 'Thankful Thursday'. I want to list some things im thankful about, obvious and some that fit my personality.

I am thankful for...

God. For leading me in the right direction and being there when i feel like no one is else is.

My Family. Without them, i wouldn't have come to known Christ and probably be missed directed. And for teaching me morals and life skills.

My sis. Without her, i'll simply put it, i'd go MAD.

Notebooks. The smell, blankness waiting for me to write in is so amazing.

Music. For giving me a healthy way to escape for a little and go in your own music world.

Nature. Even though i may not realize it sometimes, beautiful nature always surrounds me.

So You Think You Can Dance, for inspiring me to dance crazy in the middle of the park with my 3 year old cousin.

Pencils and Pens. The reason why is so obvious.

For the man who invented ear phones.

My Blog. It's so breathtaking (weep weep) to be able to write to others and be able to use my hands and heart.

There are so many things i am thankful for, but the list would drag on and on and eventually my hands would fall off and you would be very bored. That would be quite depressing.

Otherwise, what are you thankful for?

Yes, eyes roll, the most common question asked over Thanksgiving, (but it isn't thanksgiving is it?) But it would be an honor to hear what you pride in your life...

Good night my thankful goers and realize your thankfulness. Ha, ha, ha, ha!!!!

Ally

( i know, some wired random laughter, ha ha :P)

Short Stories

Do you like to read or write short stories?

I love to because you can put so much meaning in a few paragraphs and take the readers breath away...

You can add emotion that clenches the listeners heart and makes them feel the pain you read...

There may be so little words, but they can make an imprint to the mind forever....

They add a elegance chapter books cannot hold...

Short Stories hold a story behind them that the reader has to peel to see...

In a single page, with less then 300 hundreds words and only one breath to take to read...can change a life... forever

Ally

:/

Yeah, im not really in the mood to blog today...its not you, and you can clearly see im a bit interested since im blogging right now, but im just stressed and blogging is a way to release. Just wanted to say that and make the whole blogging a little more personal.

It's not always sunshine and ice cream here :), but i wish it was....

Ally

P.S Okay maybe not sunshine and ice cream aaalll the time, because then i wouldn't have a unique character, just i want it right now.

The Curious Case of Twilight

As you may know, i am in love with the Twilight series, by Stephanie Meyer. Her books fill the reader with love that Bella fells and the yearning to be a vampire like Edward.

The books and movies have made it international, millions of fans in love with each actor. Posters line every teenage girl's room, the movies stashed in the DVD player at all times. We are simply obsessed.

I believe the books out win all the movies combined. There are several reason, which i cant post all since it would take forever. one is the story line is so pretty. you become sucked in this world were magic surrounds you without the average person knowing. the movie doesn't bring out the magical love, instead it brings in things that were never in the book. some inappropriate that the author never mentioned in Twilight.

Another one. You simply cannot bring such a love story to life. It is meant to be treasured in each readers soul. They imagine the perfect view, perfect vampire man, and perfect adventure that can't be as beautiful in a screen, only in your heart.

One question i have for people, are we in love with the movie and actors then the books now?

You cant go online without seeing advertising for the movie and fun accessories with Jacob's or Edward's face. it feels as if the fame is taken away from the book and the spot light is dwelled on the actors and the 'hotness' of them. im disappointed.

This is the curious case of Twilight. The movies, books, actors are all a jumbled puzzle peice to find. Because one minute were screaming for the books, the next Edwards face.

What is your opinion on the movie and books, attention wise?

The movies are good, but i honestly think they could have done better then they did. Your thoughts?

Ally

Cannot Think of a Title

Today is really about nothing in particular. the other day i lined up a few posts, excited that i was so clever, when really lots of other people do that to save time. But it only worked once for yesterdays post. Im too lazy to finish these other post today, so this will just have to work.

A little update in my world...

My Mom is due any day now. She wants to have the baby after June 2nd because she cannot have a home birth if she is a certain amount of weeks. But whatever goes, goes!

I've been buried in books the last week. I'm reading the Twilight series over again, always caught up in the love and action even though I've read it over and over. I'm usually not a person who reads books over, but i don't want Bella and Edward's love to disappear! I want more to the series!

Surprisingly, i got my Grandma to read the books and she already polished off the first one and asked for the second one today! It seems like every person, Grandmas and Moms, including you have read or want to read the series! ( i may be wrong though)

Chores have been nagging me everyday. I'm home schooled (sheesh) so hooray for me, I'm always there to monitor it. Well, kitchen duty inst bad if i have my mp3 with me :)

My summer notebook is going well...shockingly! I thought i would have already left it behind, but i always look forward to writing in it! Decorated it (why not?) to add some fun personality and to make it look cooler when i come back to it years from now. Sarah has only written in hers once, but i guess it's okay since I'm the fast writer in the family.

I might be becoming magazine crazy. i just really enjoy looking through magazines because it passes time and some useful beauty and life tips are in there. The thing is though, America doesn't have that many good teen mags. :(

My pen pal wrote back! She's from England and super sweet! She's going to the hospital for a few weeks, so hopefully my letters will cheer her up!

My blogging might be interrupted for a while when the baby comes, so don't fear, i will come back!

I've said this a few times, but hooray I'm still blogging! this is my new record and hopefully i can beat it!

Well readers, there you go, some of my not so adventurous things taking place in my life at the moment. i hope your life is fun, but if not, don't lose hope because whatever happens, you WILL get through it.

Blessings,

Ally <3

P.S My mom says this isn't the right way to spell Ally for my name. (Ally isn't my whole name) i think Ally is just fine, thank you! :/

Glow Wings Fairy Wings!

http://www.glowwings.com is a fantastic site for fairy lovers or just people who are interested in cute, Fae fashion.

Glow Wings sells tee-shirts with printed shimmery wings on the back. The cool thing is, once lights are out, they glow in the dark and bring enchantment with you!

All proceeds go to the founder who is making a short film based on fairies! Not only do you get a cute shirt, you help someone conquer their dream!

Ally

Blue Bloods

I read these books awhile ago, but i had to let you know about them! They give the vampire world a whole different and exciting view!

About the Book:

Within New York City’s most elite families, there lurks a secret society of celebrated Americans whose ancestors sailed on the Mayflower. They are the powerful and the wealthy—and in fact, they are not human. They are the Blue Bloods, an ancient group of vampires.

Schuyler Van Alen has never fit in at Duchesne, her prestigious New York City private school. She prefers baggy, vintage clothes instead of the Prada and pearls worn by her classmates, and she lives with her reclusive grandmother in a dilapidated mansion. Schuyler is a loner—and happy that way.

But when she turns fifteen, Schuyler’s life changes dramatically. She has a mosaic of blue veins on her arms, and craves raw meat. The death of a popular girl from Duchesne is surrounded by a mystery that haunts her. And strangest off all, Jack Force, the most popular boy in school, is showing a sudden interest in her.

Schuyler wants to find out the secrets the Blue Bloods are keeping. But is she herself in danger?

Steeped in vampire lore and set against the glittery backdrop of New York City, Blue Bloods will be devoured by fans of Melissa de la Cruz.

(words from ttp://melissa-delacruz.com/index.php/site/)

Get More info on this heart wrenching book at http://melissa-delacruz.com/index.php/site/

Would you read them?

Ally

Pulse It

Hello my readers!

Today i want to share this awesome teen site for our advent and maybe little bit readers!
The site is Pulse it, where you can join (be 14+) and read teen books online. Also, they give you the choice to have a blog, write reviews, and chat to other members.
Each month or so, they get new books you can read online. They all are for teens who love to read and give you a chance to discuss your love of books to other teenager like you.
You have to get accepted (no big deal, they just have to scan over your info in a day) and then your in and get access to awesome, fun and adventurous books!

I joined yesterday, and if you want to be friends, search for Mergirl2

Can't wait to see you there!

Ally

Me

I love being me. Sounds sort of obvious, right? Well, i hate going to places and you feel you have to fold your personality in side and see it later.
That's how i feel sometimes when i'm at certain places. These places have an invisible sign that requires only a certain act. Fake and un-you. It may be invisible, but it rings in your ears like a siren. So after all the awkward talking, and piercing sirens rings, you sigh inside, say good-bye and tuck your self away.

Ally

My Goals in Life

Do you have any goals in life? Even if they're small? I do of course! Today i want to share with you some of my goals, big or small that i want to accomplish in my life!

1. Publish a Book. This may take awhile, but I'm determined to publish a story of mine sooner or later.

2. Publish a Children's Book. I love to draw as well and found great ways to publish children's books and I'm currently working on one right now!

3. Become BIGGER in the Blogging World. Blogging has been so much fun and i want to expand my blog to others so they can see all the fun happening here!

4. Make a Mermaid Tail. You got it right, a mermaid tail! I have one, but right now im making another and want it to be done for summer vacation!!

5. Learn a Language. Im not sure if this will ever happen, but i really want it too! Im taking a French class, so maybe it might just come true!

6. Travel to Europe. I love Europe in so many ways and want to travel there sooo bad!

7. Move to England. Seems sort of a big goal, but who know, might just happen! ;)

8. Go Somewhere, where the Water is Clear. I'm a big swimmer, and i desperately want to travel somewhere where the ocean water is clear and pretty!

9. Get Married. This of course wont happen right now, but i want to get married some day!

10. Accomplish My Goals. Nothing like the feeling of satisfaction. I might not complete some of these things, but it's good to have goals and something to work at and discipline your self!

Good Luck!

Ally

We Can Do It!

I just read this article about a teen and i felt inspired! Thought i'd share it with you to let you know anything is possible!

Article from yahoo.com

HOG WILD? NOT THIS GIRL

Frugal teen buys house with 4-H winnings

Monday, May 17, 2010 2:49 AM

BY KATHY LYNN GRAY

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

ERIC ALBRECHT | DISPATCH

Lindsay Binegar bought this Greenfield house with her $40,000 savings, which she started building at age 4 with $100 she won showing a hog. She rents the house to relatives, socking away the money to buy a home with her fiance when they marry next year.

ERIC ALBRECHT | DISPATCH

Lindsay Binegar, 19, stands in the pig barn with her father, Gary Binegar. She won $15,540 for showing the reserve and grand champion hogs at the county fair in recent years.

Lindsay Binegar was 14 the first time she spent any winnings from years of showing hogs. She bought a purse. The second time, at 18, she splurged. She bought a four-bedroom, two-bathroom house with a two-car garage. And she paid in cash.

"I've never heard of a teenager buying a house," said Nikki Gasbarro, spokeswoman for the Ohio Association of Realtors. "Smart girl."

The Greenfield teenager has been saving money since she was 4 years old and won $100 showing a hog.

"I didn't get the money; it went to the bank," said Binegar, now a 19-year-old freshman at Ohio University's Chillicothe branch.

And so the pattern began. She'd raise a few hogs every year on the family farm in Highland County, show them at competitions and add any winnings or sales proceeds to her savings account.

"She's pretty tight," said Lindsay's dad, Gary. "She's always been big into 4-H, and every penny she made she just banked."

That included $15,540 for showing the reserve champion and grand champion hogs at the county fair in recent years.

By the time she graduated from Greenfield McClain High School last June, she had saved more than $40,000 for college.

But her parents had a proposition: They'd pay for college if she'd live at home and commute to Ohio University's Chillicothe campus.

The idea appealed to Lindsay's thrifty, practical side but left her wondering how to invest the money she'd saved.

Her dad, who runs Binegar Auction Service, had a suggestion.

"I said, 'You should buy a house,' " Gary Binegar said.

"I was like, 'Oh, Dad, that's a lot of money,' " she said.

But in August, Lindsay bought a house when her dad was auctioning one as part of an estate sale. She paid $40,000.

After painting the inside of the two-story frame house and adding new carpeting, Lindsay rented the house to a great aunt and uncle who wanted to relocate to Greenfield.

Walter Molony, spokesman for the National Association of Realtors, said it's extremely unusual for a teenager to buy a house.

Lindsay's dad, it turns out, did something similar - but not as grandiose - when he got out of high school. He bought a house, too.

"I paid $7,000 and there was 3 feet of snow in the living room," he said.

He fixed it up, rented it, then sold it and bought the farm where he, his wife, Mandy, and Lindsay now live.

Mr. Binegar, 44, isn't sure why his daughter is so fiscally responsible at an age when many teens spend every cent they get.

Then again, it fits her personality. She's always been at the top of her class academically. She volunteers each Friday at an elementary school to further her dream of becoming a teacher. She has been involved in 4-H for 11 years, was a cheerleader and was crowned homecoming queen her senior year of high school.

"We tried to lead her in the right direction and make her know the value of a dollar," her father said.

Lindsay said she hopes to finish college in three years, get a teaching job and raise a family in her hometown.

"I would never move out of Greenfield," she said. "I just love everybody here."

She's saving the $450-a-month rent payments from the house so she and her 22-year-old fiance, Heath McNeal, can buy a small house when they get married in 2011.

Eventually, the couple wants to buy land and build their dream home on top of a hill.

Her father has no doubt that'll happen.

"She's got a really good head on her shoulders," he said. "She's the perfect girl

Hot and NOT

Today i am going to post some beautiful outfits stars are wearing and some...well not. yes, this sounds a little childish, but the search is fun and hopefully the read for you too!

I'm always bewildered when i see what stars are wearing now, especially the women! It's crazy and really unfashionable to my taste. Imagine if you wore what they wore in non- stardom public...yeah.

But i am impressed sometimes too! Not all stars are lost of track, but when i see something good, its cute!

Totally cute and not too pushy!

This looks a little cut up?

Sorry, but this is a little too feathery!

This has a fun look and vintage at the same time.

Simple, yet elegant.

Not really a fan.

Cute, simple and totally relaxed!

Hope you enjoyed some of these pictures. There is no rudeness going to any of these stars, im just not really into the clothes!

Good Night! <3

Ally

My Summer Journal

Okay, so this summer, Sarah and i are making a summer journal. Practically, its a journal pacifically for summer, us writing down the things we do, feel or think because im planning this summer to be awesome!

i read in a magazine article that you need to make a bucket list of summer ideas and chart them on a calendar so (almost) everyday you have something to do. it could be from roller coasters to finishing your favorite TV series. i think its a good way, especially for me since i loved to be organized and see what im going to do the next day.

so i went surfing around looking for fun summer fun ideas and wow, i tell you, some people do wacky stuff, but i love it!

So here are a few ideas i want to do this summer!

Chalk-a-Thon: Use chalk all down our street! No intelligent reason, but seems fun!

Paint Room: My room is a light pretty mossy green, but i want to add something mystical to my room. it has a fantasy theme-ish (i promise there are NO action figures, just fairies :))

Be Silly: Yeppers! Be silly at stores and make a fool of myself! (now all i need is some gut!)

Snap Photos: I want to make a cool photo journal with the things we do this summer.

What are your summer ideas or suggestions?

Thanks!

Ally

In Honor of Jose Gomez

This is sad and this man is a real hero.

A good Samaritan died in a horrific New York City subway accident Friday night as he valiantly tried to save a young woman who jumped into the path of an oncoming train to retrieve her jacket, the New York Post reported Saturday.

Jose Gomez, 29, and the unidentified woman were struck by a subway train in Astoria, Queens, around 10:30pm, police said.

The two were pinned under the third car while NYC Transit workers frantically tried to de-energize the electrified tracks.

Gomez was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said. The woman was transported to a nearby hospital Friday night, where she is in serious but stable condition.

Subway service in Astoria was shut down for about an hour after the gory incident. Witnesses said the woman’s decision to jump onto the tracks to pick up her fallen jacket sparked the terrible tragedy that cost Gomez his life.

Nestle has the very best- coconut bars!

After we went swimming for a few hours, i ran into Fresh & Easy to grab some ice cream bars. They were sounding so good and i found this Nestle brand that is absolutely yummy! This flavor is coconut (real flakes added!) but there is also other tropical flavors such as mango, pineapple, strawberry, vanilla, etc. It has a really good creamy taste of coconut, but not to sweet it tastes fake.

It satisfied my craving (for the time being ;P) while adding a sweet feel of being in the Bahamas and enjoying coconut milk while laying on the beach!

A girl can dream!

Ally

What makes you Sad?

There are so many things in the world that make me sad. But they also give you a time to pray and ask God to heal the broken, help the weak and guide the lost. Without the struggling in the world, we would lose hope and prayer if no need of love was needed in the world to help others. We simply would forget the evil that needs to be fought, and the pain that needs to be stitched.
But the evil that may attack us once or more in our lifetime can be fought away or not. It may have you grow in the Lord's own or simply tear you away from him, causing you to trample the rest of your life.

So Dear Lord, Please help me.

Ally

A Little Note For My Closet...

Dear Closet,

Thank you for all you have done. holding in my junk when it is really unnecessary or feeling crammed when im lazy and decide to just throw stuff in there and shut it. Thank you for being my hiding space when i was little and wanted to go in there because it felt cool. Thank you for still being my hiding space.

I have so many memories, right from the day i was born. Ones that were oh-so beautiful that made you tear up or the ones that made you cringe. Thank you for putting up with my mess and not caring when i accidently break the shelves and never get around to it (and to this day)

Thank you dear closet for being there when others have left, and listening without any judgement.

Ally <3

P.S And thank you for being nice when i complain my closet is too small and that i want a bigger one. Thanks.

Rip Tides

Well, when we were body surfing in California, we noticed we were drifting a little farther away from my Mom and Dad. Not farther into sea, but farther down the shore. We hardly noticed and were fine about it, till a life guard in a dark red car drove onto the shore and spoke into a blow horn. We couldn't understand what he was saying at first, but assumed he was talking to us so we got to shore and went up to them.

They told us we were drifting towards a rip tide that was usually at the spot we were going to. He told us to stay at a certain area and to keep watch were we were going! I was so relived and thankful he was able to warn us! IT is there job, but im still happy anyways. He probably stopped a near death experience because we knew nothing about escaping one!

After he left, Sarah and i went to find my Mom and Dad and told then about it. i said to them, "When we saw the waves coming from the side, we were like so cool, but we didn't know it was pushing us to our death!'

My parents had an eye on us the whole time ,b ut had no idea there was a rip tide that we were getting closer to!

So if you're ever going to go swimming, surfing, etc in the ocean, you should probably learn how to escape a rip tide or any other natural ocean disasters for your safety! And yes, i need to too!

Have fun and keep safe!

Ally

San Diego Sun

Isaiah and Ava!

(Left: Sarah and i going to body surf!)
Early this morning we were back at home from vacationing to San Diego! I was sad to leave, forming a love to the weather, the beach and the thrill of body surfing. We went on the Island Coronado, a beautiful place were houses were striking with paradise, fit runners and especially the ocean.

I went to San Diego a few years ago before my baby brother was born. We went to the ocean and ate at yummy restaurants, but then i didn't have a great appreciation for the sea.

But now, as my passion for the sea grew as we visited it each day on our mini vacation. I never realized how beautiful and enchanting the ocean was. i could stare at the waves hitting the shore all day and wade in the shallow shores. Time passed so quickly there and i became sun burned too, but i hated to leave! This state so close to us, and was cool in weather and popularity!

We didn't spend all our time at the beach. Of course we shopped some and played!

We went on this cute Ferry ride, as it was my first time on a boat in the actual ocean. As we sailed on through the waves to our no- reason destination, a real battle ship buzzed with music and twirling people. i couldn't see that clear, but we could tell there was a prom going on there (at our destination, girls were in prom dresses too) and i thought 'how cool it would be, being able to have my prom on a real battle ship'. the battle ship though was a museum i want to visit some day!

That night we went to a fabulous Mexican restaurant called Miguels Cocina. We've been here another time and fell in love with the chimichangas and their delicious white jalapeño sauce. The restaurant is outside and has a cool authentic feeling.

This vacation was so much fun and im so glad we were able to visit sunny San Diego! The city and Island is so wonderful and someday i want to go back there again and swim, shop and have a great time! It is a great family vacation with lots of fun and cheap things to do!

Ally <3

69 Children in ONE Lifetime!

Just imagine this 27 more times! :D

Okay, so i was watching Good Morning America and they were doing a Mother's Day quiz thing when they asked 'What is the recorded amount of children birthed to one mother?'

Well they got the answer wrong, but so would i! The answer was 69 kid! 69! i cannot believe how crazy this woman was, who had or wanted 69 children!

I am also impressed. How can one woman birth that many children in only a short life that that we live?

Mrs. Vassilet had twins 16 times, quadruplets 4 times and triplets 7 times! She must had been a brave woman, because one baby can be stressful. Imagine 69. Another thing that was amazing, most of them lived up to their adult age! That was impressive and astonishing in the 18 hundreds.

She holds the highest record (yeah hard to believe :P) and will now be my future birthing role model. Yikes, so now that I've discovered her, Kate Plus 8 isn't so bad compared to 69 children, but still mothering (looks) hard!

Ally

Fun Photos

I'm going to popst some cute fun photos everyone should enjoy! :)

Enjoy!

Ally

Favorite Thing

I usually never tell this to people, they just sort of figure it out, but since im on a blog and you dont talk to me directly, ill just tell you! I absoulutyl love mermaids and fairies! I used to be interested when i was little, but that phase faded and i became interested in other things, but now im obsessed! I just love the look of mermaids and fairies! Fairies, small, but with large or tiny beautiful wings, mermaids, long and slender with a finely sculpted tail and fin! They have sucha mysterious look and beauty from another world. They are just so fun.

Some might think it's dorkish, but im a proud mermaid/fairy lover! I promise im not into sci-fi (although i try to get my hand of every mermaid or fiary book thats not wichcraft.)

Oh my gosh, your opinion probably went bad or good with this silly post, but i cant keep it in, i just love them!

Well you heard one of my favorite sort of dorky confession, so now its your turn! What is one of your embarrassing obsessions?

Your Merfairy Fan,

Ally <3

Busy Week in Ally's World

SO this week and weekend will be very busy, so i dont know if i'll be able to blog as much! Yeah, and i dont know if i have die hard fans out there, so i might not be missed! LOL, anyways so San Diego is coming closer and closer!

That means i will be swamped in getting ready, cleaning the house and watching my cousins and lil bro bro. (The kitchen is looking mighty fine today :) )

Chores and babysitting are calling me...though i wish not, jk :P

Random Thoughts...

Have any of you heard of Form Spring?

I dont't have an account, but I've asked a few questions to friends on there being anonymous, which is very fun because you can ask stupid or sort of embarrassing questions without being discovered!

I might get one, but i don't have alot of people to ask me questions on there...yeah, so i might fail!

Some More Randomness...

My blogging is sounding so chopping lately...yes?

Just when im on a role blogging daily and sounding cute and funny, i crash and skip the days! Well life has been hectic here...(See above) and that has kept me away (or if the computer is shut down and im too lazy to turn it on.) But i do adore my followers!

An exellant book to read...

Below is the book trailer about the book...

Something different then any other book but very good!

Have an excellent week readers and wish me luck on my fun mini vacatoin to San Diego!

Adios!

Ally

San Diego!

Yeah, so our family vacation, we're going to Sand Diego! And i just love California! The people, beach, tourists spot, everything! A few years ago we went to Sea World and i want to say, Sea World is a really cute and fun place, for any age.

And im also so excited because i can take magnificent pictures with my camera in a new place, just not at home or the park (desperate ;P) The ocean looks like an awesome place to, just because it looks beautiful in any way, day or night and the pretty sound!

Going places is also like half the fun for some reason. i love flying or driving to places for a long time, all drowsy and comfy in the car or plane!

Where is you favorite place to vacation?

Ally!

P.S Hopefully i can get some cute pictures for here! :)