Alyse French | Fine Art Portrait Photographer | Houston, TX »

1 For Me // 1 For You | March 2011

I, Alyse René (French) Morrissey, am about to cut to the chase – something I rarely succeed at. ;) After considering the myriad of ways I could introduce this month’s 1 For Me // 1 For You giveaway, the one thing I kept coming back to is the simple fact that when it comes to this whole domesticity department, I could use a bit of help. (I could also use help with my run-on sentences…) My laundry habits aren’t very good. Hence the reason I steal Dylan’s socks six days out of seven, and wipe freshly-washed hands on my pants instead of using a towel. I’m also not very good at anticipating the need for more soap. More milk. Or more toilet paper. (Ice cream is a whole different story.) Hence the reason I finally broke down and bought three of every.single.household.product we’d ever need. EVER. But that was a while ago, and our need for hand towels and soap continues.. So without further ado, March’s 1 For Me // 1 For You products hail from my darling second home, Anthropologie. But before we show you the goods, let’s recap how this month’s giveaway will work!

  • What is 1 For Me // 1 For You? It’s simple, really.. If I have one of something that I find functional, fashionable, or just plain fun, I get one for one of you. Though more often then not, it should be called 3 For Me // 3 For You. :)
  • Who can enter? Anyone and everyone. And their second cousins thrice removed. Please see the fine print below for full rules and restrictions.
  • How long do I have to enter? You have until next Saturday, March 12th at midnight CST to enter. The winner will be chosen at random using the random number generator at Random.org and announced the next morning (always the second Sunday of the month).
  • Awesome! How do I get my shot at winning? You must comment (and answer the specific question asked at the end of the post) on this 1 For Me // 1 For You post to enter. Comments left via Facebook, Twitter or elsewhere will not be taken into consideration.
  • But why? Because it’s fun, free, and faaabulous!!

Onto the goodies! First up is Anthro’s Pure & Good Hand Duo. And since my run-ons don’t hold a candle to the product description on Anthropologie.com… “Scalloped glass vessels nestle sink-side in a vintage-inspired wire basket, ready to dispense nurturing hand soap or lotion at a moment’s notice. With essential oils to naturally remove food smells from hands, this pH balanced, paraben-free formula is 95% natural. An Anthropologie exclusive.” That’s the long version of, ‘It’s incredible, and smells like ginger mandarin Heaven.’ ;)

“Succulent mandarin, Valencia orange and tangelo, perfectly paired with spicy ginger and woodsy notes.” Plus? It’s gorgeous.Next up, we have Anthro’s Perpetual Bloom Hand Towel. “Tapestry roses lend a timelessly pretty air to plush jacquard terry.” And it matches the soap. Duh. :)Lastly, Anthro’s Mistral Shae Butter Soap, in lychee rose. “Handcrafted in Provence and blended by Grasse’s most renowned perfumers. Infused with oils of olive and palm to create rich lather and silky texture.” Because sometimes you just need a bar. And you can never have enough soap. Clearly..And there you have mine and yours, side by side! :)

Completely unrelated question you must answer to enter: Dylan and I are in the process of planning our one year wedding anniversary getaway. Preferably limited to the continental US. Where should we go and why? (Accommodations must provide soap. See what I did there?) :)

Not so fine print: Only one entry allowed per person. All contestants must live within the continental United States and must be able to provide a valid mailing address upon winning. I am not responsible for items that are lost, stolen or damaged during shipment. The winner will have 24 hours to contact me and redeem the item or a new winner will be chosen.
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  • March 6, 2011 - 4:11 PM

    Donnell Probst - St. Louis!!! You can come visit the Junkies!!!! :)) Because I KNOW you will totally want to spend your anniversary with two women photographers! LOL

  • March 6, 2011 - 4:22 PM

    karina colorado - you guys should go to new orleans! there is so much history there and the french donuts are amazing!!! stay at a boutique hotel in the french quarter…cozy and aaddddooorrrable!

  • March 6, 2011 - 4:29 PM

    Jill Bogli - The Grand Canyon! Just because the pictures are beautiful, and I’m sure you could out-do google images any day. And it would be awesome to see that :)

  • March 6, 2011 - 4:34 PM

    stephanie h - Central Coast – San Luis Obispo and surrounding areas. Beautiful and lots of things to do.

  • March 6, 2011 - 4:59 PM

    Erin Haase - Colorado! Amazingly lovely in the summer with green mountains covered in wild flowers! Great hiking, white water rafting, plus you can get some delish food in Aspen.

  • March 6, 2011 - 5:32 PM

    stephanie rita - go to Whidbey Island in Washington state. And stay at this bed & breakfast. http://www.saratogainnwhidbeyisland.com/. I’m not even kidding, don’t listen to where anyone else says to go. Go here. You will love it. Promise.

  • March 6, 2011 - 5:40 PM

    Jess S - Hands down, Santa Barbara. I lived there for three years and miss it all the time. It’s absolutely gorgeous and there’s so much to do. We’re trying to get there this summer so maybe we’ll see you! Though for us it’ll be an almost-7th-anniversary celebration! :-) (Everyone’s else’s suggestions sound amazing, though, also!)

  • March 6, 2011 - 5:46 PM

    Kem - Happy anniversary! I think Napa Valley would be nice….wine and a gorgeous view so romantic!

  • March 6, 2011 - 5:58 PM

    Sandy Kohler - I think anywhere in new england. Maine is one of the most beautiful states ever. Or along the west coast. Oregon and Washington are amazing.

  • March 6, 2011 - 6:22 PM

    Karen A. - I recommend Rockport, MA. It is a quaint little town just north of Boston and is very picture-esque!

  • March 6, 2011 - 6:41 PM

    Stephanie Pillsbury - Vegas because everyone should go at least once in their lives!

  • March 6, 2011 - 7:08 PM

    Nancy Bellinger - You absolutely MUST come to Maine…there is nothing quite like the Maine coast or the Maine mountains. We live in the mountains, but Acadia National Park is probably one of our favorite places on the planet and you could take great photos there!

  • March 6, 2011 - 7:31 PM

    Rebekah - The Gulf Coast is amazing! Warm weather AND beaches!

  • March 6, 2011 - 7:49 PM

    Jessamyn - Vegas Baby!!! :) Seriously – it isn’t all about gambling and immorality… There are so many wonderful things to see and do and its a wonderful place to get away with the one you love with all your heart!!! :)

    ps… I may be OK at the domesticity thing, but I could learn sooooooo much from you on style! I always love everything you pick out!!!

  • March 6, 2011 - 8:20 PM

    Anthony Vu - VEGAS!!! I don’t gamble, but I loved the SPAS…thanks to my fiance.

  • March 6, 2011 - 8:56 PM

    Brandy Peacock - I grew up about 35 minutes away from Lake Tahoe and went regularly…usually when I was supposed to be in class. It’s beautiful any time of year. The winters are majestic and the summers are spectacular.

  • March 6, 2011 - 8:56 PM

    Emily - I said it before and I’ll say it again- San Diego- the weather is always beautiful the picture taking options are plentiful and your close a billion beaches to try surfing at, Sea World, Disney and Legoland… lol

  • March 6, 2011 - 9:31 PM

    Alison - I would also second the Maine trip! Just wait for it to warm up a little : )

  • March 6, 2011 - 10:58 PM

    Alicia Pyne - I am shocked to see all of the suggestions to go see Maine. Before meeting my husband (a Born and raised Mainer…) I had never even thought to go to Maine but as everyone has said, Maine IS gorgeous but I was going to suggest Santa Barabara. If you have never been it is a “Must Do!” And might I also mention how good you guys are to already be thinking about your 1st yr Anniv. trip…Kuddos to you two! XO’s!!

  • March 7, 2011 - 7:56 AM

    christina moodie - I would definitely say Oregon Coast. Stay in a little cottage there. It would be beautiful!

  • March 7, 2011 - 9:48 AM

    Chrissy - My vote would be a pseudo road trip. Fly into Phoenix or Salt Lake City, rent a car and just start driving. The national parks in Utah (Zion, Arches) have the most majestic scenery in the US. Also, between the parks there are incredible colors that show up in the sand dunes because of the different minerals in the soil. Have fun planning and congrats!

  • March 7, 2011 - 10:45 AM

    Danielle - It really depends, if it’s the beach that you’re wanting, go to Gulf Shores, Alabama or Table Rock Lake in Missouri. If it’s the great outdoors with all the hiking, rock-climbing and white-water rafting you can stand, then go to Boulder, Colorado. I would recommend staying in Chautauqua Park.

  • March 7, 2011 - 11:24 AM

    jessica - well…i would say you should visit California…wine country…Napa Valley:) i’ve just heard how romantic and tasty and beautiful the whole experience is:)

  • March 7, 2011 - 12:21 PM

    Kate W. - You could get your campy Americana on, like: Corn Palace in Iowa. I’m sure you can find other interesting things to do while in Iowa too!

  • March 7, 2011 - 12:43 PM

    Maniya - Maryland! (1) Because I’m here (okay you probably don’t want to see me for your 1st anniversary but perhaps you can come anyway and we can just somehow bump into each other lol) (2) because the area is awesome with lots to do in every direction in D.C. or VA.

  • March 7, 2011 - 12:55 PM

    kate :) - This.is.adorable. just like you. and so many of your pictures. not gunna lie i check your blog like it is facebook or my email. aka. constantly. and the photographer you spotlighted last tuesday has become one of my favorites. and just another website to consume my time. BUT anyways. Savannah is where it is at! It’s adorably cute and old. and southern. so many good photo opportunities also. gosh darnit now i wanna go back there. nowwww. haha. ice/snow storm in ny. oh the fun. love you like whoaa. peace lady :)

    Kate

  • March 7, 2011 - 1:26 PM

    Abby Holt - These are so cute! I can’t wait for you to do our pictures. You are so talented and creative!

  • March 7, 2011 - 2:21 PM

    Tayler Ward - You should go to Charleston, SC. It is the most beautiful city in the world. The Charleston Place Hotel is a romantic setting and it central to the city. You are 20 minutes from three incredible beaches. (only 10 from Folly Beach, which is the best in my opinion) The scenery is truly one-of-a-kind. Take a bike ride down to the battery (a park that is a short walk away from central city) to look out at the Ashley & Cooper rivers. If your lucky, you’ll see dolphins at play. The historic downtown Charleston is the place to go for honeymooners and all of those in love!

  • March 7, 2011 - 4:44 PM

    Kristin Nicole - I think that you guys should go to Savannah, GA. It is stunning and sooo romantic!

  • March 7, 2011 - 4:44 PM

    Terri - You should definitely visit Martha’s Vineyard…it’s beautiful and if you’ve never been there, then you should pack now and head out! ♥ the soapy products!!

  • March 7, 2011 - 6:54 PM

    Michelle Lynch - If you’re the type that likes to get lost in a fun, out doors kind of place then Asheville, NC is simply amazing. Between the ropes courses, scenic drives & hikes, and golfing for the man, it’s amazing. Asheville is very much the Austin of North Carolina in a sences it’s full with artwork everywhere you turn, and it has that very creative vibe to it. Downtown Asheville has so much beauty to it because of it’s art based citizens. Every other street has art vendors, and there are many places to go into to create your own art. Amongst the creativity is the unusual amount of micro brewers and wineries. The Biltmore which is a beautiful place to go see, especially the gardens when they are in bloom has a great winery. My favorite wine came from a tasting I had at The Biltmore. If you prefer more of a beer based drinking, then walking downtown can indulge this great appetite, plus the numerous chocolate stores can satisfy anyone. If you want to be luscious I would stay at the Grove Park Inn, which has the most beautiful view of the mountains, aside from when you fly in. The most cozy, comfortable, and romantic atmosphere. I love your photography, and really hope to use you one day for my engagement & wedding photography when the time comes. Stay sweet & creative.

  • March 7, 2011 - 9:28 PM

    Amber Jacoby - Denver, Colorado! The Rocky Mountains are gorgeous!

  • March 8, 2011 - 7:32 AM

    Joanne Pendergast - New Orleans!! I’ve heard amazing things about this city. Between the food and the music, it’s supposed to be an experience that makes you feel like your across the ocean, but its right here in the USA. Plus, its supposed to be beautiful and enchanting!

  • March 8, 2011 - 10:22 AM

    Mischelle Morgan - Alyse, My one year recomendation for your 1 year Anniversary is Glenwood Springs, Colorado. It is a VERY romantic quaint town that I thing you two would absolutly love. The Hot Springs are AMAZING. You can have a “spa” day with massage or take a hike/walk/bike ride around. And if you are really up for an adventure, you could try white water rafting. (I have never been that crazy, haha). It is in the middle of the Colorado Rockies so the views are beyond beautiful!!! No matter if it is Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall it is am amazing place to go!!! You HAVE to put it on your “Places I want to visit” list. I promise you will not be disappointed!!!! I included a couple of links for you to check out!!! Where ever you decide, have fun!!

    http://www.visitglenwood.com/
    http://www.hotspringspool.com/index.php

  • March 8, 2011 - 12:19 PM

    Jaime O. - Hilton Head Island. The most beautiful place in the world, and the best if you’re looking for a beachy spot!

  • March 8, 2011 - 12:47 PM

    Erin Weber - Maine! There is something so timeless about finally arriving and, before you can even see it, the smell of salt water, fish and seaweed lets you know the ocean is close! Plus, there are so many quaint restaurants, B&Bs and shops to explore! And of course, the seafood is A-MAZING!!! PS – if you decide to venture out of the country, Jesse & I went to Prince Edward Island on our honeymoon and it is absolutely wonderful in every way. They are on “island time” – everything is so relaxed, people are very friendly, and again, the food is fantastic! (And I think you happen to be an Anne Shirley & Gilbert Blythe fan like me?) :)

  • March 8, 2011 - 1:14 PM

    Kathy Scott - I day go to Las Vegas and renew your vows with Elvis (0:

  • March 8, 2011 - 1:28 PM

    April Islip - My vote would be for San Francisco! There is so much culture in one city I had a blast while I was there…and talk about thousands of restaurants to choose from and Chinatown!!

  • March 8, 2011 - 1:29 PM

    Sarah - Definitely San Francisco. Cool sights, good food, excellent shopping, Napa so close, ocean, redwoods…a newly-married, photo taking couples dream.

  • March 8, 2011 - 1:31 PM

    Lauren - You should go to San Francisco! It’s lots of fun, great food, and amazing views!!

  • March 8, 2011 - 3:55 PM

    sarah s. - Aspen, CO… it’s obviously known as a ski town but is absolutely beauuutiful in the summertime, too!

  • March 8, 2011 - 6:35 PM

    Athena - My vote is Charleston, SC or Savannah, GA. Both cities have a that quaint southern charm, and they’re romantic cities to boot.

  • March 8, 2011 - 8:54 PM

    Lauren - I’ve been to Acadia National Park in Maine and it is a blast. But what about going to Nashville or New Orleans?

  • March 8, 2011 - 10:13 PM

    Amber - Las Vegas! It has everything you need and more- great hotels, spas, shows, any kind of food you could ever want, shopping, etc.

  • March 8, 2011 - 11:19 PM

    Amber Joy - You should go to San Luis Obispo, CA! It is a beautiful college town on the Central Coast, close to the ocean, with gorgeous wineries all around it, and an awesome vibe to it.

  • March 9, 2011 - 6:05 AM

    Rachelle - Well, from your Facebook post, I am pretty sure you have already decided where you are headed, but I will chime in and say that Uganda would be an incredible place to spend your first year wedding anniversary. Why you ask? Because it will be life changing and extremely memorable, and because we are here :) Convinced?

  • March 9, 2011 - 9:12 AM

    Jen - Hilton head, SC is lovely and really close to Savannah, GA, which would be great to visit too.

  • March 10, 2011 - 12:22 AM

    Cesilia - After vacationing there in 2009 my recommendation would have to be OAHU, HAWAII. It’s beautiful and the weather is gorgeous year round.

  • March 10, 2011 - 11:54 AM

    Heather - Why not head on over to Disney World!!! {Preferably Universal / Island of Adventures} They have a great Universal Resort on sight that makes you feel like you are in Hawaii – Lowes Royal Pacific. Why not be romantic and fun at the same time!! =)

  • March 10, 2011 - 6:45 PM

    Heather - The Finger Lakes Wine Region in NY!!! You just can’t beat the area’s beauty and rich selection of wines! A deff. TO-DO for any couple!!!

  • March 10, 2011 - 7:31 PM

    Jess Z. - I would have to say… the most perfect place you guys could go for your anniversary trip would definitely have to be Boston, MA. Not only is it GORGEOUS and clean, but it’s so very cute and has tons of nice places you guys could go! (See, I didn’t even mention my number one reason why this should be your top pick… *cough*JESS.LIVES.HERE*cough*) Couldn’t resist… <3 <3 <3

  • March 12, 2011 - 1:02 PM

    Candice Jang - Just found your website off of theknot.com and love your pictures!

    About the anniversary question, I personally love southern California, so I would say San Diego or Orange County (not LA because it’s too dirty and smoggy). San Diego’s got a gorgeous little area called La Jolla Cove that is romantic and right next to the beach, where you can walk around and visit shops or go into the water. Orange County is beautiful and I especially like Laguna Beach and Dana Point, both romantic, beach-front places worthy of celebrating your 1-year =)

  • March 12, 2011 - 3:25 PM

    Wesley J. - I would have to say Disney World. What better place to spend such a happy occasion than one of the most happiest places on earth?

  • March 12, 2011 - 4:40 PM

    Carrie Stiles - I just love the hand towel & soaps. So pretty! As for where to go for your one year anniversary…. I would pick Boston, MA. It is such a great town with a lot to see & do & so much history. Plus about this time of year, you could get incredible shots of all of the natural beauty there. But, its just the most perfect, quaint town & would be perfect for your anniversary!

  • March 12, 2011 - 10:09 PM

    Heather - My vote is Philadelphia… it is rich in history and very photogenic. Philly is the home of our nation’s first capitol and the liberty bell. What could be more romantic than visiting Love Park to commemorate your 1st wedding anniversary? Plus, it’s the corporate locale of Anthropologie, so you know there will be soap!!

  • March 13, 2011 - 10:07 AM

    1 For Me // 1 For You | March 2011: WINNER ANNOUNCED!! | Alyse French Photography | Houston-Based Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer - […] morning, Internet! The day has come to pick the winner of March’s 1 For Me // 1 For You products from Anthropologie. But first? Thank you all SO much for your trip suggestions! We are […]

  • March 15, 2011 - 10:03 PM

    Taylor - Martha’s Vineyard in MA is gorgeous!! Mucho goodness of food and beautiful landscapes to be had.(and may I add BEACH!)