So genius!

Duh! Why didn't we think of this sooner?

I miss Hawaii... who wouldn't? I miss my handsome Jungle Boy and our fits of laughing.

Love. L.O.V.E

Can I get an "amen!" These are amazing houses....


http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/41516/list/AIASF-Marin-Home-Tour--The-Radius-House
http://themoderngreen.com/2008/10/old-barn-transformed-to-modern-chic/

I would be happy as a clam living in a place like this.

Hello Universe

About two weeks ago my lil' hot pink iPod grew legs and walked off. And to be honest I was a little hurt. That iPod and I have been through lots together, I kept it charged and filled w/awesome tunes and this is the thank you I get? So after 2 weeks of listenting to my own thoughts while running I went into the Apple store (and that was an adventure in itself) and bought a new super updated, smaller and tech-y-er one. Orange this time.


Not even 12 hrs. later I found my long lost pink iPod in the pocket of a hoddie! Seriously. That little voice from the universe that said "as soon as you buy a new one you'll find yours" wasn't kidding. I guess you either have to have mom eyes to find lost things or rely on the irony of the universe.

In Your Arms

Check out this sweet video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOu0DuxFAT0

I am more than over joyed that the weather is warming up and the light is sticking around longer. It LITTERALLY makes me a happier person. I think I need to find a 3 season locale to call home - no more of this winter/gray/dreary/freezing bullshiz! I don't even ski anymore so what's the point (except for the awesome snowshoes I got for christmas but only used once because there was no snow)? I am more motivated to work out, can't wait for the garden to fill in w/veggies and am just a generally more productive member of the world. It's great. Lastnight we all went to see The Hunger Games and I didn't even need a coat AND i was in sandals. AMEN to that!

In other AMAZING news:
So, have you seen all the bright colored skinny jeans EVERYWHERE? What am I talking about? Of course you have - unless you walk around with your eyes shut or youve been in a coma. I've been H.U.N.T.I.N.G and scouring the valley for a pair of these trendy pants for weeks. I've tried everystore I could think of, Banana - too expensive, Gap - no selection, Old Navy - I have a bubble but so ON jeans don't fit, J.Crew - $130, Express - $79, Loft/Ann Taylor - store closed to move to City Creek, Forever 21 - Nada... you get my drift. So yesterday, after a sweaty hour at the gym (gotta get my fit on for HAWAII!!!), I ran to Fred Meyer (It will always be Fred Meyer in my mind, not Smiths Marketplace) to buy the ingredients for taco soup and this little voice said, "just go check, you never know", so I did. DING DING DING DING!!!! I FINALLY found some bright jeans, they fit like a charm and are way comfy. I am stoked!! Bright jade green and deep fuscia/plum. and the best part is that they were only $25/a pop. TAKE that J.Crew!

Birthday Plan

This year I turn 29. This year I will turn 29 in HAWAII!!!! Aloha Maui!

When someone you love hurts it hurts. If I had a zillion dollars I'd dish it out to all my family and friends - I think it would save us all from lots of hurt and struggle and frustration etc. and then we could all vacation together and lunch during the week. Oh, of course there's something to be said for learning along side the lemons you get in life but let's be honest. If I gave you part of my zillion dollars you'd take it wouldn't ya? Hmmmmm... yeah, that's what I thought.

Time wasters

Working 2 jobs is not that great. So I am no longer going to do it. I've worked in A LOT of serving positions and know when a place suits me and this one just doesn't. It is a huge waste of my time and I can hardly wait for my last shift.

Also, it is a huge waste of my new snow shoes that there is NO SNOW.

Honk honk

I'm just gonna go right ahead and say how totally impressed I am with myself right now. Yep, I totally rock and I'll tell you why. I just successfully pulled off a "Winterfest Carnival" (whatever that is) for like 700 people!!! And everyone had a great time! Phew... I'll be honest, I though for sure it was going to tank. Hard. BUT my committee came through with their assignments and we did it!!!!

I'm the co-chair of the stake activities council and once a month we have an activity for about 600-1200 people (it's always more if there's free food) and this month is was a carnival type thing - ring toss, pie eating, musical chairs, bball shooting, HUGE twister etc. I'm so glad it's over.

But yeah, don't mean to toot my own horn but uh... honk honk

Tempted

Yesterday my phone buzzed and I got a text from one Jessica Weiss... "I want to have an adventure today. What are you up to?"

Just a few short hours we were on our way to see The Temptations in Wendover, NV. It took no time at all thanks to Steve's lead lead foot and Jessica's helpful updates on how much longer it will take if we go ___ mph. Unfortunately it was sold out by the time we got there so we eneded up going from casino to casino trying to understand why they all look IDENTICAL (except for the Wendover Nugget) and Jessica explaining which slots are the best.

Oh, also! The Temptations are not women. Who knew?

Right now, just tonight....

... I decided to make a few goals for the year. So far I've come up with the following: post something on this blog at least once a week. C'mon, can't be that hard right? Also, I'd like to aquire a navy blue KitchenAid stand mixer just like Julia Child had.

Not bad goals for the year.

I will also stand up for myself more firmly. There is no room in this life of mine for people or habits that do no good.

I will think of other things I'm sure but I naturally oppose making New Year's Resolutions base solely on the fact that i'm "supposed to" at this time of year.

Thanks.

Oh, yes. This year Thanksgiving will be a wonderous event. Lots and lots of Pacific ocean and sun, grilled pineapple and zero agenda. That's right, Maui here I come. I leave for this blessed event first thing tomorrow morning and it will be amazing. It's only "hit" me a little that I'm leaving for a tropical island but I'm sure It'll wack me right in the face as soon as I step off the plain in Kahului. We rented a little apt. in Paia and from there will find all our adventures!

Hope you all enjoy your Thanksgiving and the storm, do a snow angel for me. I'll do a sand angel for you.

Reunited and it feels so good

My fall hair color is back in action and I'm loving it! Ahhh.. the change in seasons, wearing scarves and sweaters. Fall is my favorite of the seasons and I'm always so glad when it comes.

I walked into the salon dead set on going back to my natural color (a.k.a the color of kitty fur) but that lasted for like 30seconds.

Welcome fall and winter!

Potato Harvest

Picking potatoes is fun.

Mad Dog

One of my favorite new friends these days is Stephanie Stuart. She comes complete with an awesome husband and a darling 16mo. old. Steph and I started working together right after I moved from Seattle back to UT. We toiled through the crappy work days at 3form, day in and day out. But now we both work as interior designers together. On Friday Steph went into labor and I was their "#1" to take care of Madison. I'd been looking forward to this for like 2 months and had it all planned out. I picked up Mad Dog from daycare and we went home and decorated the house for baby brothers arrival AND (this was what I was most excited about) we mad the baby a "painting" to welcome him home from his big sister. Thank you Kacey for the idea! Judging from this video it was a success.

smart phone

I am one who makes lists. Lots of them, everywhere on any scrap of paper I can find... a business card, receipt or gum wrapper. I'm not too proud to admit that this steel trap of a mind sometimes just doesn't quite get all the details. And today was no different.

I totally double booked myself for two events that are both highlights of my month/season. I spearheaded hosting a what we call a 'favorites' party and because this elephant brain actually did forget something, I scheduled the party on the same night as bunko! :( No bueno!

So. That settles it. I NEEEED my iPhone back. I need a quick accessible calendar with me at all times who's alarm actually goes of when it's set (hint hint Samsung Gravity 3). Birthdays will be remembered, parties and lists will all be made in one perfect little hand held bit of wireless love. I'm half tempted to put my original iPhone back to work.

Domestic Success: A fall purse

Alrighty... anyone who has read this riveting blog since I started it whenever ago may remember the "Domestic Success" posts. Well, ladies and gentlemen they're back!

Behold the first Domestic Success of this new era:


I decided to make me a new fall bag rather than buying one because I get really picky when it comes to purses. I bought this Amy Butler pattern back in May and finally decided to whip it out last weekend after I'd finally found fabric I liked.

It's kind of a bit bigger than I imagined it, like one of those annoying HUGE chick bags but I still like it cuz I made it (and I've already lost my keys 14 times). I'll be making more of these little projects because they're pretty easy for the fledgling sewer like myself.

So cheers to having great fall/winter projects and stay tuned for something else...

Awe struck

So, I went to the Utah State Fair last weekend. I've been to this fair a few times now but somehow managed (much to my dismay) to MISS the most incredible, jaw dropping display this place has to offer. We're talking tears here people - I actually had tears whilst walking around this particular portion of the fair.

I'm talking about the CREATIVE ARTS pavilion. Oh yes! You heard me. Just take a look at some of the gems I got pictures of. I mean, it's almost like I'm speechless - but not...

What is this creepy cowboy doing? You can't see it in this pic very well but it was like he was trying to be sexy and wink at you with his hips all cocked to one side and riding a bucking horse! He got a "best of show" ribbon?!?

This one I couldn't believe was actually taken seriously... Not the wood box, the tree. The store bought ficus with a TIN FOIL BIRD glued into it!! See that white blob in the middle of the tree? Yeah, that's the bird. I kid you not. Blue ribbon.

And this one...

Oh my. Yes, that is for real. I'm not really one for religious relics, "art" and such and this is no exception. It was hideous. And it got a blue ribbon - they all got ribbons. Creative Arts is a term used pretty liberally I guess but I'm ok with that because it was the most entertaining part of the whole night.

But for serious now... this was the ONE thing I had to see this year and it did not disappoint. KACEY!! This one is for you:

The Dairy Farmers of Utah "butter cow" 2011 sculpture. This puppy is made of butter, lots and lots of yummy butter. And it's Will and Kate!! We love them!

"Camping"

On Friday night I went to the ward camp out. I had so much fun!! I really love my new friends in this ward and kinda love that most of them are younger - oddly enough the immaturity suits me. Big surprise - I know!;) My new ginger friend Sandi and I had a ball acting like idiots most of the time and laughing for the rest of it.




Sandi fell flat on her face. I laughed. and then proceeded to do the EXACT same thing.



We stayed at the Heber Valley Camp at the best site they had. Gordon B. Hinckley had this camp built for the Young Women's program as well as families. It's not really camping except for the fact you're in the woods but there are heated cabins, fridges, storage rooms, stoves and electricity. It is a really nice facility
The weather was A.MAZE.ING!! So perfect, the food was delish, and everyone seemed to have a great time. The bishopric in this ward and their wives are so generous and really fun to get to know.

I love the fall and it was so nice to spend some time in the crisp outdoor weather.

She's like the little sister I never had....

Dreaming of the day...

At The Huntington in CA there is a gift store full of crap no one needs - just like at any museum or the like. However I always find something that I just HAVE to have like the set of 10 Frank Lloyd Wright 'Thank You' note cards or those flat smooth rocks that you can fiddle with, a book you'll never read etc. And this visit was no different.

But let me tell you, this find we ALL need. I can see myself buying everyone of these because I dream of having the excuse to use these little treasures. Dinner parties, baby showers, a fancy date, birthday party... anything really.

CAKE kitchen papers. I daydream of well planned, beautiful get togethers with my friends and family and I would love to use these papers to dress up the table and dishware. Oh, I will and I'll invite you to join us.

[picture from cakevintage.com]

Good night...

The city of angles

Labor Day
Drive to Glendora, CA.
Car prizes every 100mi courtesy of one Jessica Weiss
Go to The Dounut Man at 1am UT time
Sleep at Becky's house
Go to Huntington Beach
Fish tacos
Get half of Huntington Beach IN my swimming suit via getting churned up in the surf
Buy 8 $1.50 belts at Forever 21
The Huntington museum and botanical gardens
Flea market and a vintage dress
Trader Joe's
A movie in the Hollywood Forever cemetery
Drive to Salt Lake

It was a good trip

Impulse do-er

I'm totally an impulse decision maker. When it comes to moving, crafty projects, trips or even jobs I'll usually just go for it with the thought that "I'll just deal with whatever comes up when I get there" Most of the time it all works out and I don't have to backtrack and fix some stupid mistake I've made. A lot of my success comes from faith. I rely heavily on the principle of tithing to get me through a lot of these wild hair moves and job changes - cuz those things ain't cheep.

For example: I got a call from my schoolmate and friend Liz on Thanksgiving day back in 2005 and she said "Gomez Associates is hiring and my roommate is moving out. You should move in with me" By January 3rd or 4th I was moving to NYC with a couple duffel bags of clothes, an interview with Gomez and the belief that I could just find a job once I got there. And I did.

I like that about myself. I like change and I like just going for it. I get bogged down if I try to think about things too much. Like tonight, I went to the salon to get some blonde highlights to cover the kitty fur roots I had sprouting out of my noggin and left there 2 hours later a bright sparkly redhead. Again.

Try it. The impulsiveness I mean.

Bear Lake Brawl: Check.

Here's the full report on my first triathlon:

The nerves didn't even hit me yet, not till I was mid-swim. I guess that's the good thing about going into something sorta blind is that you don't have a ton to be apprehensive about (except that I'd almost started crying two or three times the week before and at least once the morning of the race - pansy).

I was so happy to get my butt out of that lake after the swim. I didn't know what I had gotten myself into until I was about 100m out in the lake. It was so much harder mentally than I thought it would be. I was THIS close to tears but just kept reminding myself that it wouldn't last long... and I prayed that I would actually make it to the beach.

The bike was a cake walk. It was like 12.2 miles of easy scenic sunday riding, thanks to the flat course of course.

Ahhhh... I did it!!! I was .5 seconds behind that girl in the green. SO close to 4th place (I guess I shouldn't have been pushing her - we were right next to eachother in the transition area and she was really nice).

My family came up to watch and cheer for me. It was SO great to have them there to share this with me. THANKS FAMILY! And Joel and Steph & Ken for cheering too!

So yeah, I finished 5th in my age group (25-29), kept a faster pace during the run than I'd planned on and had a good time doing this. Oh! and i got a really ugly t-shirt. I plan on doing this again next year, and perhaps a few inbetween.
I did it!!

My first...

I am signed up and have paid for my first triathlon that happens NEXT weekend. I'm a little bit nervous for the swim and that I will not have the mental willpower to actually finish without stopping - that's my goal. To finish. And to finish w/o walking during the run. It's only a "sprint" distance which means a 750m swim, 12mi bike and a 5k run. I get bored when I run and have to force myself to keep going. And the swim... well it's just a big cluster of people piling into the lake and I very well could get kicked right in the face and I've really gotta keep this money maker lookin' good ya know?

Ah well... it'll be fun I'm sure. I've got my very own fan club coming up just for the race and I'm SO glad to have support!

Today I saw my first Life Flight landing and pick up. A group of us went up the mt. to Guardsman pass to ride Wasatch Crest trail (which is an absolute must-do geogeous AMAZINGLY beautiful trail:)


and one of the girls we were with totally ate it hard and mangled her arm. We were 6 miles in when it happend and she didn't want to hike out so the helicopter came and got her. It was pretty rad to see it all. Poor girl, just got out of surgery a few hours ago. She'll be ok. (I can hear Life Flight right now... I hope they're ok)
Before:


After:


Also:
I can't get the background color changed on my blog and I don't like Blogger.