Oh, Thank Heaven!

Thank Heaven for February!

2012-01-31T23:07:00.000-08:00

Is it just me or has January just crawled by? January is my least favorite month in the whole year. I'm really excited for February and here are five reasons:

1) The Academy Awards - I don't know why I love the Oscars so much, but I do. It was the first event I ever went to with Dan's Alleman side of the family back in 2008. I look forward to this day every year!

2) Dan's 25th Birthday - I can't believe he'll be a quarter of a century! I don't know what the party plan will be but it'll be better than last year when Dan was alone in Alaska for work.

3) Valentines Day - Working in the Flower Business kind of soured Valentines Day for me last year. But I still love this holiday and I plan to do something really fun (and yet to be determined).

4) 3rd Anniversary of our Engagement - Time really flies! I think we'll have to go to the BYU Bookstore for old times' sake!

5) Leap Year - I don't know if there is really anything special about leap day, but it's kind of rare!

Ten on Tuesday

2012-01-24T16:33:00.000-08:00

1. I’m totally loving the snow. I open up my curtains and it feels so cozy in this old brick house. Dan and I took a walk last night when it was lightly snowing. The light is so beautiful and the night is so still when it’s snowing. It was so romantic!

1 2. Happy Chinese New Year – Little baby girl will be born in the Year of the Dragon. I’m also the Year of the Dragon. As are John Lennon, Joan of Arc, Freud, Reese Witherspoon and Shirley Temple. Dragons are lucky!

3. Our boiler is finally fixed! It broke on New Year’s Eve and it took until now for the Home Warranty people to come fix it. Luckily, the boiler just heats the up and the up-up stairs so it was still livable downstairs. I’m so happy to have a warm house again!

4. I made Banana Bread Muffins today and they were delicious. I may have eaten four. I told you they were good! I got the recipe from here.

5. I had a dream last night that I was working at the Candy Counter. It was present day and I didn't know any of the other girls there. Everyone was asking for Sugarplums. It was really weird.

6. I finally organized my craft room. I actually want to be up there now! Everything has a place and it’s still pretty roomy up there. Now, all I need is a big bulletin board, a cute lamp and a waste paper basket and it will be complete. Now I have no excuse to neglect that quilt that’s been in the works since July!

7. I feel bad when everyone asks me how I’m feeling because I’m truly feeling great! I have no complaints except for not being able to sleep on my stomach. I guess I should just count myself lucky and thank them for their concern?

8. I did 2 ½ loads of laundry today and actually folded and put it away. I usually don’t get this all done at once as evident in the half – there was a load of laundry from last week in the dryer - I feel quite accomplished!

9. I was looking through old pictures and I really miss my long hair. It was so long and curly! We’ll have to see how my hair changes over the next couple of months, but I’m not going to cut it super short again anytime soon!

10. I've really been craving Subway like crazy these days. I might have also had a dream about sandwiches last night. I usually get a 6-inch Ham with Provolone, all the veggies (minus jalapenos) and mayo & mustard. We have a pretty sweet coupon so I might be able to convince Daniel that Subway really does sound good for dinner tonight!

Picture from Here.

Kristen's Baby Shower

2012-01-18T14:22:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, we threw a lovely little baby shower for our dear friend Kristen. She's having a little girl in just a couple of weeks. We kept it pretty simple and had a delicious brunch. Jenny made great homemade granola for our Yogurt Bar, Taryn made amazing (truly) mini quiches, and I made brown sugar bacon and muffins. It was simple and delicious. We played a few party games but the best part was just talking to everyone. Congratulations Kristen! We're so excited to meet this little baby girl!

Kristen -The Momma-to-Be (Right) and her mom and sisters

What Can $40 Buy You?

2012-01-18T14:07:00.000-08:00

Well, if it's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at Savers and everything is 50% off, it can buy you all of this! Most of the stuff is barely worn and from good stores like Baby Gap and Gymboree. What a major haul! This little girl is going to be very well dressed!

(8 Pairs of Pants, 7 Dresses, 4 Jackets, 2 Tops and 2 Onesies)

The Dreamer of Oz

2012-01-12T20:52:00.000-08:00

It's so weird how random things can trigger memories from your childhood. I was eating a piece of hard candy and it reminded me of one of my favorite movies as a kid, The Dreamer of Oz*. This was a made-for-TV movie that we had recorded on video that I'd watch pretty regularly during my Wizard of Oz phase.

Which, lets face it, was pretty much most of my childhood.

Anyway, I was thinking about the movie and how I had't seen it in forever. Since I'd only seen it on TV, I didn't think it was available anywhere to watch. Oh contraire! It turns out it's a special feature on the 70th Anniversary Edition of The Wizard of Oz that Dan's Aunt Kris has! So we borrowed it and I instantly traveled down (the yellow brick) memory lane.

I love being all nostalgic and reminiscing about the good ol' days!

*Which for the record, is a totally random nonsignificant part of the movie, but it still it reminded me of it!

May Day! May Day!

2012-01-10T21:09:00.000-08:00

Mark your Calendars for May 23rd.

That's when the Workmans will be adding a little pink bundle of joy to their group.

Hip Hip Hooray!

Picture from Here.

A House Tour

2012-01-06T11:47:00.000-08:00

Here it is! The House Tour you all have been waiting for! We LOVE our house and it's been really fun fixing it all up. We're nowhere near done, but isn't that one of the joys of being a homeowner?

When we first looked at the house, it was completely empty. We totally had a blank slate to make what we wanted of the space.

This is the BEFORE

Looking for a better Television Stand Solutions - I like the idea of an Entertainment Center or Hutch, but that'll be a future project!

Dining Room:

Kitchen:

Done with Kitchen Befores - Time for Afters!

Future Projects include: Curtains and a Kitchen Cart/Cabinet

Dan's Office:

Master Bedroom:

This is the only before picture we had!

Okay, there are also two bathrooms, two other rooms and a loft. But, they are construction zones or look like bombs went off. So, as those rooms get fixed up we'll post pictures. Hope you liked the tour!

2012-01-03T19:10:00.000-08:00

In October, I was sitting in my living room and there was a knock at the door. I open it to see a random girl - with a camera. She's like "Hi, I'm taking bridal photos and we think your house is so cute and can we take some pictures in front of your house?" I was a little confused as I tried to process everything. I look behind the girls shoulder and see a boy in a suit and a girl in a wedding dress get out of an SUV. Wow. Here are a couple of the photos from that session. I guess we'll need to take some portraits ourselves in front of our house because these pictures turned out really cute! And I promise to post some pictures of the interior soon, I know I've been teasing you all with only exterior photos for too long!

Photos taken from Here

....And We're Back!

2011-12-15T16:10:00.000-08:00

I'm starting my New Year's Resolutions early. I'm going to be a blogger again. I've got plenty of things that I need to post about, namely a new (old) house that we've been working really hard on and is awfully cute! Thanks for still reading this little ol' blog.

A Pinterest Challenge

2011-12-15T16:04:00.000-08:00

First of all, I LOVE Pinterest. I'm so glad that they invented something like this. I have files and files of pictures saved on my computer that I think are brilliant and want to recreate. But, I feel that the line between inspiration and plagarism is supper hazy. Young House Love (a great blog that I love) instituted the "Pinterest Challenge" where people are challenged to make at least one thing that they pin each season. The catch was to put your own spin on it. That's where my challenge comes in. I don't know how you can spend so much time on Pinterest, feeling so creative, and not really do anything! When it comes to doing something creative myself, I'm out of fresh ideas. Why should I put my spin on things when I like them perfectly well the way they are?! Here are a bunch of ideas that I have recreated - some have more of my own spin than other.

What's a girl to do?! It's really quite a conundrum!

Historic Springville Charmer

2011-02-23T22:28:00.000-08:00

This is where Dan and I will take up residence in a couple of weeks - a true Springville charmer. We knew we wanted a house with history and character and look what we got!

A little history on our house for those who want to know:

On February 13, 1871, the Mayor sold to George Birch, an acre of ground on the corner of 2nd North and 3rd East for the sum of $2.50. Mr. Birch proceeded to build his home. It was built of medium red brick, which was different from most of the homes of that day, which were made from adobe. This is probably one of the earliest built brick homes in Springville. Mr. Birch's home consisted of four rooms, two rooms on the main floor and two bedrooms upstairs. The ceilings were fairly high, so this made the house look very tall.

There was a shanty on the east side, which was used for a kitchen, and there was quite a long porch along the front of the house on the second floor. (The door from this porch was used in many cases, to hoist furniture to the upstairs, which couldn’t be moved up the narrow stair case.) The children used to “sleep out” on this porch. The porch is still there but has been made much smaller.

The floors were wide native pine boards and the walls were very thick, being lined with adobe. The window frames were of lumber and rather loose fitting. Square nails were used through out. On the east side of the house was a well with the old oaken bucket, which supplied all of the water for household use until city water was available. The well has since been covered over.

On February 11, 1890, Mr. Birch sold the home to Luther T. Chase and his wife Jane. They tore down the shanty at the back and had two large brick rooms built, the story goes that the mason who laid the brick did so to pay gambling debt he owed to Mr. Chase. Mr. Chase died February 18, 1930. Mrs. Chase sold the home to John H. Patrick and his wife, Lura White Patrick. At this time there was a large barn on the east fence line of the property, which joined a ban owned by Joseph Loynd. There was also a corral, pig pen and chicken coops.

In 1944, the son, John C, remodeled the home by opening up the two front rooms to make one large one. For the third time the stairway leading upstairs was changed. John also replaced the wooden window frames with metal ones and put in one-pane glass windows instead of the divided ones. He also built a garage and utility room.

There is a dirt cellar under the first four rooms that were built when the house was built. These were used for storing vegetables and flower tubers. Under the rooms was a cement cellar where canned fruit and other supplies were kept.

This history of our house was actually written by Dan's Grandpa Alleman, who is a member of the Springville Historic Society. Small world.

We're so excited that we found such a great old house. And we'll be sure to invite you all over for a house warming party once we get moved in!

Happy New Year!

2010-12-30T13:15:00.000-08:00

I officially love this idea. I am a sucker for any "party in a box" but this one is especially cute. I love the mini bottles of Martinelli's.

I also really love this idea - New Years Eve Around the World. Marta has a really cute idea for New Years Eve in New York, which I LOVE.

What are you doing to ring in the new year?

Christmas Projects Galore!

2010-12-08T14:47:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across allsorts (which is one of my new favorite blogs). Think I looked through the entire archives. I was so amazed. This is what I want to be like. I love her style and ideas.

Take a look at her AMAZING work room. This would be a dream come true.

All pictures from allsorts

From there I discovered this free e-zine. Filled with even more great holiday ideas. I really was so impressed with the projects! They are all incredibly detailed, yet look pretty easy to do. Check it out - you won't be disappointed.

So we were at Toys R Us

2010-12-08T14:31:00.000-08:00

Because you can't have a Christmas season without going there. And I saw these beauties. I love the Wizard of Oz and I love Barbies. I think the vintage charm is incredible. But I can't really justify spending $40 on a doll that's always going to be in (such a cute) box.

All I can say is YUM!

2010-12-06T17:02:00.000-08:00

So Dan's mom put me in charge of planning Christmas Dinner this year. I plan the menu. We shop together and then we make it together. I think it will be fun! I've started doing some research on what kind of food to have. You would not believe the time I am having. It is nearly impossible to find Christmas foods that are not some form of cookies or eggnog. And while I love both of those, I'm kind of at a loss for what kind of real food to have. I will keep thinking and researching but in the meantime, here is one dessert possibility I found that looks so delectable I had to share it with all of you!

Brownie Covered Oreos. Yep. They look amazing.

Grosgrain FABULOUS!!

2010-12-04T16:52:00.000-08:00

Have you been to Grosgrain lately? Oh my goodness. I am so inspired. This month is Knit Embellishment month. Every day a sweater gets a makeover. Most of these started out as big, stretched out, frumpy sweaters. A lot of them are inspired by Anthropologie or Emma Pillsbury's wardrobe on Glee. I'm going to the thrift store tonight. She has full tutorials on all these sweaters and more. Wow.

All Images from Grosgrain.

I'm loving this video

2010-12-04T09:14:00.001-08:00

Before and After

2010-12-03T16:46:00.000-08:00

Look at that curly mess!

I've been talking about doing this for a really long time and I finally did it. I got a hair cut. It was unmanageable. It was so long that I donated 14 inches to Locks of Love. The best part? Since I was donating the cut was f-r-e-e. Sweet.

Much shorter and manageable! I look really happy. Because I am.

A busy busy weekend

2010-12-02T16:22:00.000-08:00

I seriously think December is the busiest month of the year. Here are just a few of the things going on this weekend:

Also this weekend: Double Date with the Joneses, Roommate Christmas Dinner, Haircut (more on that later), Volunteering with the Red Cross, etc...Wish me luck.

No Blog November is Officially Over!

2010-12-01T09:46:00.000-08:00

I didn't plan to not post in November, I've just been busy I guess. But, I've decided to try and post every day in December. There is so much Christmas-y goodness that I probably will have too much to post about! I feel like December is the quickest month - there's so much to do and not enough time. So here's a free printable advent calendar for all of you loyal readers so you can have a few things that you make sure you do to get you in the holiday spirit! Some of the things on this particular countdown are geared specifically towards kids, but you can definitely write whatever you want. Print it off, hang it up and count down the days!

Here are some advent ideas from Party Accessories (another new-to-me blog)

1-Set up Christmas Tree
2-Sip cider
3-Hang stockings
4-Ward Christmas Party
5-Make a swag with real Christmas Tree branches
6-See city lights festival
7-Make felt-ball garland
8-Ride the Christmas train in the mall with kiddos
9-Roast marshmallows by the fire with friends
10-Watch 'The Santa Claus'
11-Take Christmas photos
12-Visit the Temple Christmas display
13-Make orange/clove pomanders
14-Eggnog time
15-Head to the library with kids to pick out Christmas books
16-Make Christmas cookies/gifts for neighbors
17-Host White Elephant Christmas party
18-Romantic candlelit dinner with husband under the Christmas tree
19-Sip hot cocoa
20-Eat a chocolate orange (the ones you whack on the table)
21-Finish holiday shopping
22-Watch a holiday movie as a family
23-Make sugar cookies
24-Read Jesus' birth in the Bible and Book of Mormon
25- a MERRY CHRISTMAS! with a full breakfast, Christmas music, and gifts

Also, there is an awesome Christmas music playlist on this blog. Retro goodness. Open up a new tab and listen to your heart's content!

Anywho - Did you know that today is the first day of Hanukkah? It is. I found these delightful ideas on MarthaStewart.com, of course.

Donuts-

Latkes

and, my personal favorite:

Marshmallow Dreidels.

WOW. This was a long post. ENJOY!!

Happy Halloweekend

2010-10-29T09:09:00.000-07:00

Picture from here.

Ghosts of Halloween Past

2010-10-22T10:38:00.000-07:00

Yes, Dan was a Beatnik for Halloween when he was 10.

Just looking back at past Halloween costumes. We're still not sure what to be this year, but weren't we cute little kids!?

A Wedding Watercolor

2010-10-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I feel artistic. This was one such occasion. I had an idea and then it found its way to paper.

Another Couple Costume Idea...

2010-10-15T16:13:00.000-07:00

Dan and I have had the hardest time thinking of what to be for Halloween. I think this one might be really fun - Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. It would be quite a bit of work, though (all that hair!!) And Dan's requirement to be someone with a goatee would be taken care of.

Picture from the Disneyland Facebook page

But we'd definitely be ahead of the curve - Tangled hasn't even come out yet! I think it'd be really fun! Who knows what we'll actually be!

It's like having Pie for Breakfast

2010-10-13T14:00:00.000-07:00

This sounds fantastic. I need to get a can of pumpkin puree and make some of these recipes I keep finding. (Is it true that there's a pumpkin shortage this year? I didn't see any at the grocery store)

Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal (From goodLife {eats} - a new favorite food blog!)
1 cup old fashioned oats, not quick cook
1 Tbs whole flax seeds, optional
2 1/2 Tbs brown sugar, packed
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp allspice
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp lemon zest
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp butter, softened
3/4 cup pumpkin puree
3/4 cup milk
Topping:
1/4 cup pecans, chopped
2 tsp butter, softened
1 Tbs brown sugar

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease 4 individual sized ramekins. Set aside.

Combine the oats through salt in a medium sized bowl. Stir well. In a separate bowl, combine the vanilla, butter, pumpkin, and milk. Whisk thoroughly. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the oats. Stir until combined.

Divide mixture evenly between 4 individual sized ramekins. Place ramekins on a baking sheet (this makes it easier to move in and out of the oven.). Bake at 375 degrees F for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine the ingredients for the topping: chopped pecans, butter, and brown sugar. After the oatmeal has baked for 10 minutes, remove and divide topping mixture evenly between the ramekins. Bake and additional 7 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes before serving. Top with a splash of milk and raisins, if desired.

Tree Pedestal Cake Stand

2010-10-12T23:40:00.000-07:00

This is so elegant and simple. I think it would be perfect for an Pumpkin Cake or something fallish. DIY directions are available via Once Wed.

This movie looks so cute, I don't even care it's made for six-year-olds.

2010-09-23T21:32:00.001-07:00

The Return of Prime Time

2010-09-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

from here

I really enjoy the schedule of prime time tv. monday = catch sunday's mad men. tuesdays = glee. wednesdays = modern family. thursdays = 30 rock. friday & saturday = rest.

this is going to be a good fall.

pizzeria 712

2010-09-15T22:30:00.000-07:00

kristen and taryn - cute as ever!

diggin' in!

A couple of weeks ago we went to pizzeria 712 for jenny's 22nd birthday. Best. Pizza. Ever.

the one i've been raving about? Gorgonzola. Summer Squash. Caramelized Onions. delish.

you've gotta go.

This really makes me wish Carmen were here.

2010-09-14T22:20:00.000-07:00

One of my best friends, Carmen, is on a mission in Argentina. I really miss her. She would totally love this movie. I'm sure we would drive up to Salt Lake and see it at the Broadway theatre if she were here. She gets back in December so I guess we'll just have to RedBox it.

Also, the stars are the face of J. Crew this season. Check out the whole ad campaign here

picture from here

The Last Frontier...

2010-09-13T18:22:00.000-07:00

Picture from here

Well, Dan left this morning for Alaska. Yes, you heard me correctly - ALASKA. And he'll be there for a month. Yes, you heard me correctly - A MONTH.

Ugh. He's off in Nature's Wonderland, and I'm stuck here.

Ok, it's not that bad. Let me clarify - He's there for work, so it's not like he went on vacation without me. He'll be way more lonely that I will be. I miss him a lot already. He's pretty lucky though to be in such a cool place.

He might even take a glacier spotting cruise and see Aurora Borealis.

Here are some more fun facts about Alaska, just for the heck of it.

State Motto: North to the Future
Nicknames: "The Last Frontier" or "Land of the Midnight Sun" or "Seward's Icebox
State mineral: Gold, adopted 1968.
State song: "Alaska's Flag"
State sport: Dog Mushing, adopted 1972.
State flower: wild/native Forget-Me-Not, adopted by the Territorial Legislature in 1917. It is a perennial that is found throughout Alaska, from Hyder to the Arctic Coast, and west to the Aleutians.
State fossil: Woolly Mammoth, adopted 1986.
State gem: Jade, adopted 1968.

Millions of Peaches, Peaches for FREE!!

2010-09-13T18:06:00.000-07:00

I am one lucky girl! Uncle Von & Aunt Susan have a peach tree in their backyard that was just overloaded with peaches. So I took it upon myself to take some of them off their hands. I am so excited! What to make with all these delicious peaches?!

I can feel fall in the air!

2010-09-12T19:42:00.000-07:00

...and I think this is a really swell way to smell fall in your home. From marthastewart.com, of course.

PUMPKIN PIE POTPOURRI

Use a pumpkin incense burner to suggest the cozy scent of pie just out of the oven. Cut off the pumpkin's top and scrape out the innards; carve round vents with an apple corer. Rub cinnamon or pumpkin-pie spices onto the lid, or push cloves into it. With a lighted tealight candle inside, the pumpkin will give off a lovely fragrance for about six hours.

A Year of Nie Nie

2010-09-09T22:12:00.000-07:00

It was about this time last year that I discovered Stephanie Nielson and her inspiring story. Since then, I've read her blog just about everyday and realized that I've totally helped her and like her entire extended family at the Candy Counter If you haven't read her blog, you should.

picture from her blog.

First Quilt - DONE!

2010-09-08T08:30:00.000-07:00

After a few months, being transported across three different states, passed off to at least four different people, getting lost in a big white van and a little help from my mother-in-law, Karylee, my first quilt is done!

I pieced the top and then she quilted it on her quilting machine. I think it's pretty cute. I guess I can do another one now that this one's done!

My Grandma's Pretty Groovy.

2010-09-07T22:38:00.000-07:00

Example 1 - She has an iPhone (and knows how to use it, or at least get to the camera)

Example 2 - She wears skinny Levis (not like "mom jeans", or "farmer jeans", but "I could wear these to a party jeans" - I can't even pull off those jeans!)

Today I had dinner over at my Uncle Kyle and Aunt Kimberly's house. The Grandparents were up from California for Grandpa's 65th high school reunion. Kimberly made delicious lasagna (which is saying something, cause I usually am not a fan of lasagna) and we had cheesecake for dessert!

But the real fun was after dinner. I forgot how fun it is to reminisce about the past. And the more you get talking, the more you remember the most random details. For example - My grandma always had those fruit-flavored marshmallows in her pantry, there was an unpainted carousel horse that lived in the garage for years waiting to be painted (I guess it has since found a new home) and the hundreds of pictures I drew at her house. I distinctively remember one of the Wizard of Oz quartet. Sounds weird to say, but I didn't realize how many happy memories I have. I had a really good childhood.

My Grandma also presented me with a graduation gift - The two-part treasury of the "World's Greatest Fairy Tales" as they are called. I LOVED these books as a child. I read them every time I went over to their house. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful.

Tonight was a really delightful walk down memory lane (and a charming look at how my Grandma might actually be cool!)

Radioactive Fiesta

2010-09-03T20:39:00.000-07:00

Picture from here

So I learned a cool little tidbit today at Thanksgiving Point.

Over at the Dinosaur Museum, there's another part of the museum (without dinosaurs, actually). In the back, there's an office where new exhibits are put together. I was down there doing a project for the big Labor Day Luau we're having (you should come!) and I spied two small Fiesta plates.

As most of you know, I have a fondness for Fiestaware.

I asked Dave, the man making the display, "What are you doing with the Fiestaware?"

"Oh, its for a display on radioactivity" he said nonchalantly.

"Radioactivity?" I asked, "Is Fiestaware radioactive?!"

He explained that back in the 40s and 50s the makers of Fiesta mixed URANIUM in with the paints. To "make the colors more vibrant," apparently.

He said that the government even borrowed Fiesta's Uranium supply to make the Atomic Bomb. Lovely.

Wikipedia confirms - it was "one of the most radioactive commercial products you could buy"

Then Dave added that it was only the orange and red colors that were dangerously radioactive. Whew. The only "vintage" pieces I have are light green and pale yellow.

Well, luckily they identified this problem and all of the dishes made nowadays is free of Uranium.

On another note - don't you think my title would be a great name for a band?

Never Say Yes to the Specialty Drinks Or How I Stopped Loving the Olive Garden.

2010-09-02T20:53:00.000-07:00

Today, Kirsten and I went to the Olive Garden for one last hurrah before she leaves forever to go back to Portland.

Normally, I really dig the soup-salad-breadstick deal at the O.G. but not today.

The first thing that went wrong was the waiter showed us the special new lemonades. Normally, I just go for water but this was a special occasion! So I ordered one. Kirsten got one too.

Then we ordered food. I wanted soup and salad. Kirsten wanted salad. But instead of like just charging me for the soup and charging Kirsten for the salad. I got charged for both soup and salad and Kirsten got charged for the salad -- the ONE salad we shared. Dumb. And the food wasn't even good. The soup was too salty and the salad was too cold. (Weird I know - but after eating hot soup, freezing cold salad is not the best thing)

We finished our drinks and the waiter was like "do you want more". Normally, I am skeptical of specialty drinks because they usually have don't have refills but it seemed like the waiter was offering a free refill. This was not the case.

Let's just say that I ended up paying $18.00 for one bowl of soup, one plate of salad and two glasses of lemonade. I wasn't very happy.

This negative event was probably some my fault and lack of knowledge in the restaurant business but I really felt taken advantage of.

I don't think I'm going back to Olive Garden for quite some time (which is fine because Dan doesn't like it anyway)

But, on a happier note - well bittersweet note - I'll miss you Kirsten and our fun nights of crafty goodness!

My Baby Brother's All Grown Up...

2010-09-01T14:46:00.000-07:00

I took Ethan to the MTC today. It was weird saying "bye" knowing that I wouldn't talk to him for two years!

It's Elder Mercer!

Before he reported, we stopped at In-n-Out. Which is apparently a ritual for many missionaries because there were like at least five others getting their Double-Doubles and Shakes.

First Double-Double in four years. Last Double-Double for two years.

When we pulled into the Parking Lot at the MTC and I just dropped him off. They've changed the way missionaries are dropped off - they're just dropped off. Which I was kinda glad for. It's hard to say good-bye. I just gave him a hug, took a picture and said "see ya". That was all.

I hope they take good care of him!

I thought... As I was driving away, a missionary started banging on my window - it was Ethan. He'd forgotten his suit coat. I hope he has a good time and is a good missionary.

See ya in two years!

I got home and realized that he'd also forgotten all his toiletries. I guess that's his way of making sure I send him at least one package. He might get lucky and even get some chocolate chip cookies too.

Two things -

2010-08-31T20:50:00.000-07:00

1) This flower headband thingy is really beautiful.

2) I think I want to cut my hair like this model. I'm really looking for a change. What do you think?
Hair thingy by Twig & Thistle, picture from here

New York State of Mind

2010-08-19T23:33:00.000-07:00

I'd Really like to take a trip here this summer

Go see this

and this

and stop by here

and here

eat here

and here

and take a leisurely stroll through here

but sadly...

...and the summer's practically over. Next Summer I Hope!?

pictures from here here here here here here and here

Back to Idaho...

2010-08-15T21:52:00.000-07:00

Well, Dan is going back to Idaho. He's going on a business trip up there for nearly a month. Come August 30th, I need to find a bunch of stuff to occupy my time. I will be doing my internships, but I need to do some fun stuff too... Here are some of my ideas so far. Please give me suggestions.
1. Read a book. I started "The Help" and I like it so far, I'm just not that far. It's pretty thick so it'll last me a while, but any suggestions on what else to put on my list?
2. Make Halloween Costumes -- The best idea we have so far is I will be Snow White and Dan will be tall skinny Grumpy. Does that sound good?
3. Make this quilt. Or basically any of the ideas on that website. It's not too early to do Christmas crafts right?
4. Plan a Bridal Shower for Kristen Brown. Complete with plenty of DIYs and fun details.
5. Jenny's Birthday, Ethan to the MTC and Jamie Hills to the MTC and other family/friend events.

I'm going to be bored and lonely! Give me some good ideas!!

I love my Microwave.

2010-08-09T17:43:00.000-07:00

So I was perusing MarthaStewart.com and ran across this ingenious idea. Making scrambled eggs in the microwave.

Normally, I wouldn't think of cooking eggs in the microwave (although I cook quite a few unusual things in there, such as chicken)

And the best part, there's no mess. You cook the eggs in the same dish you're gonna eat them from. I know what I'm making for breakfast tomorrow!!

Here are instructions

Photo from MarthaStewart.com

Can you tell we're sisters?

2010-08-05T11:38:00.000-07:00

Apparently Elise and I have similar plans for a Sunday afternoon. Dan walked in and snapped this photo. He said we look like some kind of crazy two-headed monster.

Elise is at EFY right now, but we had a fun time together while she was here visiting me. We went out to lunch, went shopping, got frozen yogurt, made headbands, and got everything ready for my party! (post coming soon!) I love my little sissster!

I'm firmly convinced that cupcakes get better with age.

2010-08-04T15:53:00.000-07:00

I've been slowly polishing off the cupcakes from my birthday party. They seriously are getting better every day. Stay tuned, a full post-Birthday post will be coming soon. I was really spoiled so it's gonna be a long one. Well! I'm off to get another cupcake!

Crepe Paper Flowers

2010-08-04T11:37:00.000-07:00

I made these last night from leftover party streamers. I think they're really pretty and I am going to the walmart right now to get more colors of crepe paper so I can make an entire bouquet.

On the Fence...

2010-08-04T09:44:00.000-07:00

SO I have been offered two internships for the fall... Gardner Village and Thanksgiving Point. Doing Event Planning at each. What do I choose!?

Gardner Village pays (sorta) but is really far away. Thanksgiving Point is non-payed, but closer and a lot more flexible. They also want me to start right away which will give me stuff to do with my days. Also, their events sound more fun.

Wow, I seem to have worked that all out in the typing. I think I'll do Thanksgiving Point and just find a seasonal or part-time job or something. Thanks everyone for sitting through that little exercise, you're all great listeners.

Pictures from Here and Here

Jelly Belly Art

2010-08-04T09:34:00.000-07:00

So I thought this was kinda cool! This is the kind of art I can get behind! Mosaics made out of a million-bazillion Jelly Bellies. A lot of these are on display at the Jelly Belly Factory (which I have yet to go to, but it's one of my life goals so I'll probably make it there some day)

Pictures from Here, Here, Here and Here

Art for Free!

2010-07-19T10:59:00.000-07:00

While browsing blogs, I found this really cool site that has a bunch of art prints that are free to download. It's called Feed your Soul: the free art project. It's a really cool concept and there are tons of really beautiful prints that you can, well, print off, and frame or hang on the wall or whatever. There are so many great ones I had a hard time picking a few to show here. Check them out! You'll be very happy.

Girls in White Dresses with Blue Satin Sashes

2010-07-18T20:41:00.000-07:00

I've been on a "let's watch movies from my childhood" kick. Sound of Music was one of the top contenders on this list. Everyone knows about the dresses made from the curtains, but I was really inspired by the rest of the costumes in the movie.

And for the most part, they seemed pretty simple to recreate and since I have so much free time on my hands, I might whip out the sewing machine and make a dress fit for a Von Trapp!

pictures from here

happy birthday disneyland

2010-07-17T23:30:00.000-07:00

I think its so cool that in conjunction with all the anniversaries Disneyland has, they've released vintage-themed merchandise. This picture is a huge paper sculpture thingy. It's from this really talented artist, Kevin Kidney (he is the one that did those Mary Poppins ornaments I really liked a while back). This piece looks so cool! I really hope I get to go see it in person!!

picture from here

I'm on a QUEST!!

2010-07-14T11:43:00.000-07:00

So while my mom was in town visiting, we swapped a ton of stories about my childhood. It was a very nostalgic time.

I was trying to remind my mom about a book that I loved as a child. It was from the 60s (big surprise, I know) and in it a little girl and her mom went downtown to buy a party dress. I remembered that it was yellow on the cover and that there were other short stories in the volume. For the life of me I couldn't remember the name of this book.

I searched on the internet, trying to figure out what this book was! I thought that the internet had all the answers but apparently it didn't have this one for me. By this point, I wasn't sure if I had made up this memory -- it was driving me crazy!

Finally, I called my sister, Elise. I described the book to her and she said she knew what I was talking about (hooray! I'm not imagining this!) But she was unsure on the title of the book too. Being the sweet younger sister she is (and me being the persistant older sister I am) I asked her to look through the box of kids books to finally solve this mystery.

A few minutes later, she found it. "City Days and City Ways" she told me on the other end of the line. And for the record, they were going party shoe shopping, not party dress shopping.

After I found out the name and author, I was able to discover that there are four books in this collection and so now I am on a QUEST! to find all of them. The problem is, I have no idea where this book came from and I don't know how to get the others. So wish me luck!

Beatlemania hits again!

2010-07-14T11:03:00.000-07:00

So, the Paul McCartney Concert was amazing. We got to the stadium a little before the show was supposed to start, but like most concerts, this one didn't start on time. We were waiting for Paul to come out and it still hadn't really sunk in that we were going to see a BEATLE perform.

Then around 8:00, smoke started to come on stage, the lights turned on, and then I saw him. Sir. Paul McCartney. An overwhelming wave of Beatlemania swept over me. I let out a blood-curdling scream. It seemed like the only appropriate response to seeing a Beatle run out on stage with a guitar. It was such an emotional experience that I think I teared up a bit. I have heard about Beatlemania and how girls were complete basket cases at Beatles concerts. Word is that in 1964, when they came to America the first time, their songs couldn't even be heard over the shrieks of the crowd.

Highlights of the Concert:

During "All My Loving" he did the little "head bob" that he did when he performed the song on the Ed Sullivan Show in '64. (Yes, I did notice this)
Tributes -- He dedicated songs to Linda, John and George. It was touching. It kinda made me sad.
When he pulled out a mandolin and performed "Dance Tonight"
"Something" on the Ukulele. Charming rendition.
"Give Peace a Chance" the whole crowd stood up and waved their arms and sang along. You could really feel the emotion of that song when there were hundreds of thousands of people singing it.
"LIVE AND LET DIE"!! Dan and I totally called that this song would be a show-stopper. I heard the opening line and lost it. I kept telling Dan and Jenny that there would be crazy strobe lights and there were! There were fireworks too. Gosh, writing this down doesn't even do it justice. It was fantastical. My new favorite Paul McCartney song.
"Hey Jude" It was so loud, with everybody singing along! Everyone knows this song, and then to get everyone out there singing at the top of their lungs - wow. Plus he performed it on a really cool psychedelic piano which was awesome.

It was surreal seeing someone perform that you'd only heard about. It was almost like I didn't believe that he really existed. But he does, and he puts on a really great show. I'm super glad that he came to Utah. Once in a lifetime experience. Thanks Dan!

Picture from Here.

Today is a Lucky Day

2010-07-13T09:59:00.000-07:00

Just look at the date -- 7 and 13. Aren't those lucky numbers? I say yes!

I took that as a sign that July 13th is the very best day of the year.

Here is the evidence to prove it.

July 13, 2009 -- Club 33

July 13, 2010 -- Paul McCartney Concert

picture from here

I hope you all have a lucky day!

drivers licenses

2010-07-12T09:38:00.000-07:00

Today I'm heading over to the DMV to finally change my drivers license to a Utah one.

I know, it's been a year but I was so hesitant to give up my cool green and blue holographic Massachusetts one.

So wish me luck, I hope my hair looks good...

UPDATE: Success! After waiting two hours at the Driver License Division I passed my open book test and took a pretty decent picture. Also, on the way home I got a Springville Library card. It was a productive day.

hip hip hooray!

2010-07-11T23:37:00.000-07:00

We've hit the one-year mark! That was such a happy day. You can see it in our eyes!

It kind of stinks having your anniversary on a Sunday, but we're gonna celebrate in style by seeing the one and only Sir Paul McCartney on Tuesday.

I love you Dan! Here's to many more happy years together!

Denver here we come!

2010-07-01T11:01:00.000-07:00

We're leaving tomorrow to visit Jason, Ellen and their little boy Gavin in Denver. Dan and Jason are pretty close and really good friends. Jason usually says that Dan is his "Brother from another Mother". We are so excited to see them!We hope to someday move to Denver so we can always hang out with them.

I'm also really excited because I'll get to go to Panera for the first time in about a year - Hip Hip Hooray for the Fuji Apple Chicken Salad!

So needless to say, I won't be posting till we get back, so have a Happy 4th of July! We will!

(Ellen! I totally stole the picture from your blog! Hope you don't mind!)

This is Beautiful

2010-07-01T10:44:00.000-07:00

Ok, so Dan has had this fascination with "underground hip-hop" over the last couple of years. Normally, I'm not a huge fan, but there are some songs that I find myself humming later. This is one of those songs. The music video is just beautiful. Sage Francis was the first person in this genre that Dan got interested in, so I guess he's his favorite. It's kinda long, but watch it all the way to the end, that's where my favorite part is! Enjoy!

Off to Neverland for a Jolly Holiday!

2010-06-28T11:31:00.000-07:00

Hello All! Sorry I've been a bit M.I.A. My blogging always falls by the way side when people are in town (and rightly so, I need to entertain and do fun things with my visitors!)

About a week ago, Dan got back from his two week business trip to Idaho. While he was gone I kept myself quite busy with all kinds of crafts and projects. The only problem was, he took the camera charger and cord with him and I was left with a dead camera. So now it's gonna be a long series of catch-up posts of all the things I've made and done.

So, here's the first thing I did! I was feeling artistic so I pulled out my watercolors and pencils and drew this little picture. I have always loved Peter Pan -- the story is so charming. As with most of my pictures, they're way better in real life (I really need to invest in a better camera)

I was so taken with this piece that I decided to make a second one, this time with the characters from Mary Poppins. Jolly Holiday style.

While researching what they wore, I found these little beauties -- Aren't they cute?! I don't exactly remember where I found the picture online, but I know what I want for my Christmas tree!

Happy Birthday Judy

2010-06-10T12:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Miss Garland - You were my first favorite celebrity.

Needed: Ziploc bags and Sharpies

2010-05-28T13:15:00.000-07:00

I have no more excuses. I keep saying how much I want to draw or paint but I have no canvases. Well, I do happen to have quite a few ziploc bags. And this artist here has made these plastic bags into little works of art. I have another project!

(aren't they so cute!?)

What I'm doing today.

2010-05-28T09:50:00.000-07:00

I'm going with these ladies

to eat here

and then shop here

(the gateway)

but we're mostly just going to this gem of a store (except that this photo is the one in Boston, which is equally as awesome)

It's gonna be a fun day!!

A Swell Party

2010-05-28T00:24:00.000-07:00

Doesn't this look like the coolest most fun party ever? Designed by David Stark for the (dearly departed and much-missed) Swell line at Target back in 2004.

It's fantastic.

photo from here

I thought these were kind of awesome.

2010-05-27T23:45:00.000-07:00

Only at Williams-Sonoma. If I had a few little boys, we'd definitely be having some Star Wars-themed treats. They also have pancake molds. Awesome.

I want a fancy camera.

2010-05-26T08:05:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you've noticed but the photographs on this blog are sometimes lacking in quality. I really want to have nice photos. Not just for the blog but for life. It's not like I have dreams of being a world-class photographer, but life looks so much better through a nice camera. My friend, Katie (who has a wonderful blog that YOU should check out) suggested the Canon Rebel. Katie is a great photographer. Then, I was reading over on one of my other favorite blogs, MADE (which is ALSO cool and YOU should check it out) and she uses the Rebel. I think her pictures are very pretty. Dan just likes that it's called the Rebel. So I'm thinking this could be a nice Birthday-Graduation-early Christmas present? Any suggestions? I finally think I'm ready to move to the next level of picture-taking.

photo is from MADE's Camera FAQ page

Before And After: Part 5 (It's the BEST one!)

2010-05-25T15:41:00.000-07:00

THE LIVING ROOM. I sorta forgot that I hadn't posted about this room because I think it's the one that's transformed the most. The difference between before and after is startling. I think I'll let the pictures do most of the talking. The wood paneling really scared me away from this place originally, but as you can see in the after shots, a couple of coats of paint goes pretty far. Since we found ourselves with all this extra space, we bought the matching sofa from Ikea (and scored the Ottoman for 50% off in the As-Is Section! I've had some luck there before!) We still have a few loose ends to tie up in this room, I'm planning on making a curtain-style door for the closet which is currently door-less. And if you were wondering, the flower arrangement on the buffet was designed by moi (I'm really enjoying my floral design class!). We really love our living room :)

The Art Ball!

2010-05-24T15:12:00.000-07:00

One of the great things about living in Springville is that we are finally out of the "student" social scene. This weekend was the 44th Annual Springville Art Ball. It was the gala event of the season -- everybody who's anybody was there. This had all the elements of a fun party -- good food, dancing, free photographs, and an excuse to dress up all fancy.

We went mainly to support Dan's cousin, Tess, who was in the running for Art Queen (she's on the committee!) That's another great thing about living in Springville, we are so close to Dan's extended family! We can actually hang out with them.

Our favorite moment from the evening was definitely the souvenir photo we took. At the front of the line, there were an assortment of Masquerade masks and we thought it would be really great to pose with them (I think we were the only couple to do this! It was Dan's idea -- He's pretty awesome that way).

Guess who's coming to visit?

2010-05-22T16:10:00.000-07:00

These two lovely ladies from Scotland! Jade (on the left) lived down the hall from me freshman year. She and Sarah (on right!) are coming on holiday in just a few weeks! I'm really excited because I haven't seen Jade in about 3 years! TIME FLIES! I just know that we are going to have a totally awesome time (and there are even rumors of a girls roadtrip to Disneyland in the works!)

Your Passport to Cheesy Goodness

2010-05-21T08:48:00.000-07:00

OK. So This is possibly one of the BEST recipes I have ever made. Nothing hits the spot like really good creamy cheesy macaroni and cheese. This version is so delicious.

However, I feel I must warn all of you, this not only has 2 different kinds of cheese (Cheddar and Pepper-Jack) but heavy cream, half-and-half and a ton of butter. I made it in small shell pasta instead of traditional macaroni, and let me tell you - those shells had the unique trait of trapping in the globs of gooey melted cheese inside them. I am getting so hungry just taking about this.

Reserve it for special occasions.

And if there are just two people eating it for Goodness Sake, HALF THE RECIPE! I didn't and I had Dan eating this for a week and a half. Here's the recipe, if you dare - your soul will thank you but your waistline might not. I'm not even joking - BEST MAC & CHEESE I'VE EVER HAD!!!!

Ingredients -- For 6 Servings!

2 cups elbow pasta, cooked until almost al dente (Shells all the ay!)
16 ounces Cheddar cheese, 1/2 cubed, 1/2 shredded
8 ounces Monterey pepper jack cheese, cubed
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
4 tablespoons sour cream
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup half-and-half
4 slices bread
1 tablespoon butter
Special equipment: 2-quart baking dish

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, toss together pasta with the cheese cubes and pour into the baking dish. In a large bowl mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dry mustard, nutmeg and sour cream, egg, heavy cream and half-and-half. Pour over the pasta and cover with shredded Cheddar. Bake uncovered until top is just beginning to brown, about 35 minutes. Meanwhile, cut the bread into crouton-sized squares. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter, add cubes and toast until golden. Sprinkle the bread cubes on top of the macaroni and cheese and bake until golden brown, about 10 minutes more.

From the Food Network

I'm going to see A BEATLE!!

2010-05-20T14:40:00.000-07:00

picture from here
Paul McCartney, SIR Paul McCartney, Rock Legend, Pop Culture Icon -- Whatever you want to call him, I'm GOING TO SEE HIM!!

This is the first (and maybe only?) time a Beatle has come to Utah and I'm going to see him! July 13...Less than 2 months to go!! Yippeee!

I really don't know what happened...

2010-05-18T23:12:00.000-07:00

You'd think that with only two classes and hardly working at the Bookstore, I'd have tons of time on my hands for blogging.

While I truly do have the time, I seem to lack the desire.

I'm not really sure what has caused this recent blogging hiatus, but I'm making a goal -- tonight! That I will be a more consistent blogger and let all 9 of you followers know all the going-ons in my life.

Love, Candace

He's going to the land downunder!

2010-05-04T20:53:00.000-07:00

Yep, my brother, Ethan, got his mission call. Adelaide Australia. How AWESOME is That!? He's speaking English and reports Sept. 1. I'm kinda jealous that he will get to go out of the country before I do, but now I have a great excuse to visit Australia!

Maybe he'll bring me back a Kangaroo!

Here She Is!

2010-05-04T20:47:00.001-07:00

We have a niece!

Sandra Alice Workman
Born Sunday May 2, 2010
7:27 PM
7 lbs 12 oz
21 Inches Long

and cute as can be...

(She looks like she is in distress but, in fact, she is screaming for joy!)

Spring is Blooming

2010-04-20T22:22:00.000-07:00

While looking on Amazon (browsing Pop-Up Books of all things) I found this really cool book. Paper Blossoms: A Pop-up Book of Beautiful Bouquets for the Table. I think the cut-outs are really beautiful. I don't think its available until the Fall, but this is definitely going to be on my Wish List! Pre-order HERE!

Speaking of Kitchens

2010-04-20T22:17:00.000-07:00

Someday when I have a cute little girl I will get her something as awesome as this.

From Pottery Barn Kids, of Course.

If only it weren't $699.99 (and that's on sale!)

Before and After: Part 4

2010-04-18T21:57:00.000-07:00

We've finally reached the Kitchen on this part of our Tour!

OK so here's the before. NASTY.
The old owners had this weird carpet down on the floor. We took it up and discovered tile! We've painted the walls yellow and the cabinet doors green. My camera is not very good, so these pictures don't really do it justice.
And yes, those are freshly baked chocolate chip cookies on the oven there. Refer to my previous post if you want the recipe.

I have my own little corner-desk area. I really wish I had a before shot of this one. Just imagine -- Before: Ugly closet, ill-fitting doors and concrete walls. I would be nervous to even store food in there. But now! It's really awesome. I have a built in cookbook storing-blogging-sewing-crafting station and it is perfect!

Again, these pictures stink! But the edges of the shelves are the same light green as the cabinets. I got special knobs from Anthropologie (who'd think they'd have such great hardware!?).
And here is possibly my favorite feature of the kitchen -- the open display cabinet! A perfect place to showcase all my fun dishes and Fiestaware. It wasn't in the original plan to have this cabinet like this, but we had a very difficult time with the doors. They are old, and none of the hardware was standard so putting new ones on proved to be impossible. By the time we got to this end, we just decided to leave them off. And I don't think it looks half bad, myself.

Ok, we only have one room left. Stay tuned!

...And we're back!

2010-04-18T20:33:00.000-07:00

Sorry about that week-long disappearance - it's been quite busy for me with the last week of classes (you'd think finals week would be busy, but no. I actually have a bit of a break now)

Here are some updates, pictures and other things I like.

1) We finally sold the Police Car. Dan was sad to see it go. (I was kinda happy to see it go)

But, you can see we are both pretty happy with the cash.

And speaking of cars, its time for Dan to get a new company car. He just ordered a 2010 Ford Fusion. We might buy the Charger for me, but he says he might be a little jealous if I drive a cooler car than he does.

2) I got a calling. We may have only been in this ward for 1 week, but I've already been called to work in the Primary. Six-year-olds -- better brace yourselves.

3) I've been cookin' up a storm. Finally found a good chocolate chip cookie recipe over at my new favorite blog -- Crepes of Wrath. It's awesome.

I also made some really good brown sugar bacon for the annual roommate General Conference breakfast (word is it was a show-stopper) Here's the recipe over at MarthaStewart.com (It's so easy, it doesn't really even need a recipe.)

4) 'Tis the Season for Visitors! Dan's mom, Karylee, comes up (tomorrow!) for a visit before CJ & Meghan's little baby girl is born. (Boy, are we excited for a cute little Girl to be around!) Then, next weekend Jason & Ellen, our favorite Denver cousins are coming with their little boy, Gavin, for a visit. Then, my Mom is going to visit in May. We're going to have a full house for a while.

5) My brother, Ethan, just put in his mission papers -- it'll be exciting to see where he goes!

6) Spring semester I am taking 2 classes, to satisfy dumb liberal arts and science credits. What are my two classes you ask? American Culture and Floral Design. I am excited.

7) I have exactly 2 weeks left of working a regular shift at the Candy Counter (I'll be "on call" till I graduate, so if you really really want to see me there, I might be able to pick up a shift :). I am really excited to be done, and move on with my life. But I will really miss it and all of the friends I've made there.

8) I think this video is like the cutest thing ever, if you haven't watched it yet, you MUST!!

I Am A Girl - The Girls With Glasses Theme Song from The Girls With Glasses on Vimeo.

Whew! That was a super long post. I will not let my blogging lapse for so long -- the catch-up is exhausting!!
And I'll continue with the Home Tour this week, I promise!

Party!

2010-04-10T20:17:00.000-07:00

Today was the bridal shower for one of my old roommates, Natalie.

Jenny was mostly in charge of planning it, and enlisted me to make some decorations. Of course, I was really excited to do anything for a party. I made these festive tissue paper puffs and a triangle bunting. Nat's colors are gray, yellow and purple and I had a really fun time doing the decorations.

The best thing about bridal showers is that all of us old roomies get together and have a chance to hang out just like old times! And as you can see, we had a pretty good time.

Broiled Grapefruit (yep you heard me right)

2010-04-08T18:56:00.000-07:00

Photo from The Kitchn

So I was browsing over at one of my favorite websites -- Apartment Therapy.com

The Kitchn section to be precise.

And they had this recipe for Sweet and Smoky Broiled Grapefruit.

I always feel cool when I see something new and unique on a blog, and already know about it or have done it. This is one such case.

Last week, Dan and I were over at Uncle Von & Aunt Susan's house. Susan offered us some broiled grapefruit (we thought it sounded a bit strange, but obliged anyway)

It. Was. Delicious.

Warm, buttery citrus. You'd never think of this combo, but it is awesome!

She even sent us home some grapefruits so that we can make our own.

If you want to try a broiled grapefruit for yourself, check out this post. (I don't think that their recipe calls for butter, but it's a must. And pile on the brown sugar -- this is meant to be delicious, not nutritious!)

Before and After: Part 3

2010-04-07T22:27:00.000-07:00

Next in the series is the BEDROOM! (sorry for those of you who were betting on living room)

First off, this room is huge! (And for these pictures, we've only shown half of the room because the other half is the designated dumping ground for stuff we don't know what to do with.)

I've kinda been on a Martha Stewart kick lately (proof is in the previous post) and I was really excited when we went to Home Depot and they had Martha Stewart paint. Of course, I had to get a gallon or two. And this is the finished product! It's very nice, if I do say so myself.

The black hope chest was one of those things that Dan found while out on the job (some furniture store was having an unbelievable sale, I guess). He texted me while I was at school with a picture of the beauty and asked if I wanted it. I obviously said yes. I think it really completes the room.

The quilt was a wedding gift from Dan's mom, Karylee (Isn't she talented?).

Ok, folks -- we're down to just two rooms left! Keep checking for more updates!

A House Built by Martha

2010-04-07T19:45:00.000-07:00

Now you can get a Martha Stewart HOUSE to match all of your other Martha Stewart stuff.

hmmm... Dan and I have been talking about ending up in Denver...and there is a Martha Stewart community there. And I do have a thing for Yellow houses with Black shutters...

check out all the details here

Yep, I think this is where I want to live when I grow up.

a night of french food and fun!

2010-04-05T10:43:00.001-07:00

Girls nights are fun, but when they are themed girls nights they are even better!

Friday, I had a few friends over and we watched Coco Before Chanel and ate delicious French themed treats. The movie was beautiful - the costumes, set design and cinematography were stunning! And the food all got eaten (which is always a good thing)

Before and After: Part 2

2010-04-02T19:24:00.000-07:00

Next in this series is the Office.

This is the room that probably still needs the most work. Eventually, we plan on taking out all the wood paneling and putting up real dry wall. But I think it is much more charming with Dan's stuff in it than our former tenants'.

Next room -- Bedroom? or Living Room? It'll be a surprise!!

Before And After: Part 1

2010-04-01T17:09:00.001-07:00

We've really been working out tails off on this new place. Over the next couple of days or weeks, I'm gonna show some befores and afters. I think we've definitely made some major improvements.

We'll start with the Bathroom.

Small, but not insignificant. We've given it a fresh coat of paint and got some matching linens and rugs.

By the way, the best part of the Bathroom is the new massaging spa-like shower head. It is Glorious. (Thanks Momma W!)

What I'm Listening To.

2010-04-01T09:57:00.000-07:00

I really am listening to this album right now.

She & Him (Zooey Deschanel & M. Ward) have a new album. There is a great story at NPR.com about it and you can listen to the entire album on there. This is definitley making this dreary April Fools' day a little brighter. Man, I really like this album. Listen to it!!

Click for the Tunes!

First Lady of Fashion

2010-03-30T22:06:00.000-07:00

I don't care too much for politics. Regardless of your political standing, we can pretty much all agree that First Lady Obama is a pretty fashionable lady. I recently found this whole web site, "Mrs. O" devoted to her stylishness. I think its pretty cool. Here's the link!

(This web site also has a lot of vintage flower pins, which appear to be quite in vogue these days)

So Long Provo...

2010-03-28T11:14:00.001-07:00

Yep, it's true.
Dan and I are moving away from Provo. (Just a few miles south to Springville!)
Our new little house is so cute (I'll post pictures soon!)

So Long Provo, you've treated us well.

Make Your Own Girl Scout Cookies...

2010-03-26T10:43:00.001-07:00

It's definitely Girl Scout Cookie time of year (I have yet to buy a box of Samoas or Thin Mints)

If you're feeling adventurous, there's this cool idea over at Chow. Recepies and detailed instructions on how to make your own Girl Scout Cookies. They look pretty good (And now we're all able to have these cookies anytime of the year!)

Here's the "Fiji" (Samoas) the "Slim Mint" (Thin Mints) and "Left Behinds" (Tagalongs)

Peep Buntings

2010-03-23T16:42:00.001-07:00

I Love Peeps. They are what I remember most about the Easters of my childhood.
Check these Felt Peep buntings out. Aren't they adorable!?
I think they are so fun, and by using felt you avoid sugar everywhere and can actually eat the real things.
The full tutorial on how to make these is here. I might be heading to the fabric store tonite!

Thoughts on Blogging.

2010-03-22T20:30:00.000-07:00

Dan and I watched Julie & Julia this weekend. I like this movie. Dan liked it too. I think Meryl Streep is such a great Julia Child -- so charming.

But, is it weird that this movie about blogging made me want to stop blogging? (I clearly am not going to, because I am blogging this now) It made me think...why do I blog? Am I wasting my time? I don't really have any answers, it's just some food for thought...

I think I'm catching the Travel Bug!

2010-03-19T16:42:00.000-07:00

These travel poster-prints are really fun! Very colorful and vintage.

Check the rest out here.

This is what I want my Kitchen to Look like.

2010-03-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

From Here

In the Market for a Graduation Dress

2010-03-18T11:33:00.000-07:00

Graduation may be five months away, but I would like to find a really sweet dress to wear under my cap and gown. Maybe one of these little Lilly numbers?

I think it'd be really fun to have a splash of color under that dull blue gown.

Here are two of my favorites (do you think they're too short?)

Plus, with your order you get a free box of Lilly Pulitzer Animal Crackers. You heard me right. Random -- yes but Oh, so cute!

I sense Trader Joe's in your future...

2010-03-17T15:23:00.000-07:00

Wednesdays are my long days at work -- I work 4 hours, right during lunch time. It usually goes by pretty slow. But! Today was a little bit exciting.

I was ringing up some BYU sweatshirts for this family and the dad had a denim shirt with "Trader Joe's" embroidered above the pocket. Trying to strike up conversation, I asked, "Do you work at Trader Joe's?"

"Yeah, I do", he said.

I kept totaling up his merchandise.

"What do you do for them?", I asked. (Based on how he was spending, I was pretty sure he wasn't a cashier or the sample-maker guy)

"I'm the Vice President"

WOW! I wasn't really expecting that! From there I went on to tell him how much I miss shopping at TJ's and that he should use his vice presidential power and get us a Trader Joe's here. I was pretty insistant. I might have been a little annoying. I didn't want him to leave without knowing just how much we NEED a TJ's here!

We'll see what happens. He didn't tell me yes or no. But if Utah miraculously gets a TJ's in the near future you all know who to thank!

My little sis is pretty awesome.

2010-03-17T09:56:00.000-07:00

This is where Elise is today.

Yes, This is the United Nations building in New York City. She's there on a fieldtrip. She's in ModelUN representing Guatemala? (I can't remember exactly...but the point is-- she's in New York City -- at the UN!) Anyway, I sure wish I was in New York with her, I'm sure she'll have a great time.

"Here Comes the Sun"

2010-03-16T10:19:00.000-07:00

"It's Getting Better all the Time!" The weather seems to have taken a turn for the better. I'm really wanting to go on a leisurely walk and say "Good Day Sunshine!" But I have to "Get Back" and finish my presentation. Just five more weeks and I'll be "Free as a Bird"

"The Sun is Up, the Sky is Blue, It's Beautiful!!"

Okay, those are all the Beatles references I can come up with off the top of my head. "Hello, Goodbye". "The End".

Wonder Nails

2010-03-15T20:50:00.000-07:00

photos via

Dan and I went to see Alice in Wonderland last week (we really liked it!).

I was really excited to see that OPI made Alice in Wonderland-inspired nail polish shades. I really like this one called "Mad As A Hatter".

Other colors: "Absolutely Alice" and "Off With Her RED".

I think it's time for a trip to the mall!

What I Wore Today

2010-03-14T07:28:00.000-07:00

I recently stumbled across this flickr group were people submit drawings of what they've worn. It's fun to see the illustrations (and the outfits!) Check it out here. Here are some of my favorites.

40 Pounds of Trouble

2010-03-13T09:23:00.000-08:00

This Disneyland gem has finally been released on DVD! I've been waiting so long.

40 Pounds of Trouble tells the story of a casino owner (Tony Curtis) who and a little Disneyland-obsessed five year old he gets left with. Might sound kinda weird, but this is a really fun movie!

It's one of two non Disney movies to be filmed in Disneyland (the other is That Thing You Do!).

They spend a large portion of the film in the park and it's really cool to get a glimpse of Disneyland from that time period. It's changed so much (but at the same time is no different).

I think I found it at a library randomly many years ago and am so excited that I can watch it again.

Also, my parents said we should all go to Disneyland this summer after graduation. Very exciting!
All Pictures are from MiceAge.com

The old turnstiles and entrance.

The Matterhorn (in the movie, you can totally tell that there are no seat belts on this ride yet! Ahh!)

I remember riding in these gondola cups before they got taken out (apparently someone jumped...)

Autopia!

Anywho, it's a fun one! If anyone wants to have a vintage Disneyland party with me, just let me know.

Take the Cousin count to TEN!!

2010-03-12T14:57:00.000-08:00

My Aunt Becky is having her third baby today. Little William.
Very Exciting -- I now will have ten cousins (both sides, put together!!)

Proud Siblings: Michael and Lauren! (and evidence that William is gonna be super cute)