monday

when Mondays are good, it seems the rest of the week goes well... today was a good Monday.

-Trader Joes: seriously, what I will miss MOST when I go back home to Utah (well it's tied with J.Crew) GREAT prices on all organic produce/groceries. It just opened, only 1 1/2 blocks away from me! (Last year when I was living at the dorms I had to take 2 trains to get there and it took 30 min. or so to just get to the store) Basically this week I saved $30 compared to shopping at Whole Foods. That is a lot. My groceries for this week were only $40. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

-graham crackers: whole wheat cinnamon graham crackers from TJ's (Trader Joe's) mixed with TJ's perfect rice pudding and berries. Delish. Mid-afternoon snack! (and no, it doesn't count as a sweet for the week!)

-RAIN: I LOVE RAIN. The cozy feeling it brings, the food and memories it reminds me of. Everything about it. (except for maybe have to trudge around in it in the city getting splashed...) but it is WORTH it. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

-Cardio: Yes, I did it! Yahoo for me. It is always a struggle to get me down to the elliptical but when I do I feel great. My goal is to get defined arms..... by Christmas. It is my new obsession. weights and push ups!

-sweatshirt: I recognized that the sweatshirt I got from J.Crew that I paid $10 for was originally $70! Good Feeling!

-Broadcast: I wasn't able to watch the Relief Society Broadcast on Saturday due to work and I was able to watch it today. I just want to say that President Thomas S. Monson is my hero, I love him! Every word that comes out of his mouth is inspired and beautiful!

-Package: From my lovely  mommy! In this package was the 2nd half of GLEE!!!!! Pretty much the best package EVER. Seriously the funniest show ever, I LOVE it so much! SO SO SO good!

more food....

oh wait.. revision again. I forgot I am poor. I think I have to go back to only 2 days a week.... and get GROM every other weekend for my 'other' dessert or something. Lame. why can't everything just be free???

I did have my night out yesterday though with Carrie and I spent a total of $12 for dinner/dessert. We split a crepe, a delicious one, with bresaola/goat cheese/mixed greens... HEAVENLY. AND for dessert we split a strawberry milkshake, a banana ice cream cookie sandwich, and a brownie. All from Chelsea Market. YUM YUM YUM. Enough dessert to last a whole week...

 (not my crepe picture, mine was blurry, but it is from the same place and has most of the same ingredients as mine did)

Today I went to the Temple and naturally I passed the market that goes on with all the fresh fruits and baked goods... you know me and pie, especially good priced pie.. well long story short I had to try one of the 10 flavors that were ALL calling my name. Blueberry Apple. So good. Gosh..... I really need to stop this sweet tooth craving I have going on. But it is oh so delicious. That is why I worked out this morning AND am just about to go to Hot Yoga! It is a good thing I eat pretty darn healthy for every meal so I can splurge a little on dessert! Or a lot.

Next week. only 2 days. period.

Oh and did I mention that my Jewelry Design class got canceled AGAIN?!!! We've only had class ONCE, the first day. Getting a little frustrated because now our make up classes are all on Saturdays after our real class so I will have class from 9-12 then again from 12:30-3:30... Which cuts into general conference next weekend as well as into my work schedule. I can't change my availability so...although I love the time I've been able to spend at the Temple on Saturday mornings.. I also would like to have class when I signed up to have class...

Alrighty.. well... I think I need to revise my last post... see, I wrote it yesterday (and forgot to post it until today) and today I was reminded of something that I can NOT believe I have forgotten about.

G R O M

my love from Italy. The gelato that changed my life! AND they have some in NYC-that is what I stupidly forgot somehow. We had a final study abroad get together today and I couldn't help but remember how delicious this place is. SO despite my "only sweets on Wednesday and Friday/Saturday" goal I couldn't resist.

New plan.... Magnolia Tuesday, GROM Thursday, other treats Friday/Saturday

Adventures at GROM

From one scoop to 21 scoops (and many in between) to today... pure perfection!

Oh and did I mention it is ONLY 6 short blocks away from me????? It is fate. My life is complete.

food

How many ways can I eat my tuna fish?
When living alone you have lots of leftovers. NOTHING is ever one serving.
I made tuna fish:
-tuna
-green onions
-celery
-zucchinni
-white beans
-black beans
-monterey jack cheese
-relish
-mustard
-dijon mustard
I had it on...
tomato (it is under that big heap of tuna fish), avacado, and crackers

I have a new plan when it comes to my sweet tooth, I think it will be a good one! Since I can't do only one sweet a week I decided that my sweet days are WEDNESDAY and FRIDAY/SATURDAY. Wednesday came along so I walked around my block to Magnolia Bakery. There I decided that every Wednesday is Magnolia Wednesday, there were way too many things I wanted so, I must come back every week, and the FRI/SAT can be anywhere I please. I also decided that I will go out to dinner one a week FRIDAY/SATURDAY, one hearty and delicious, NOT homemade meal. Mom approved of this so, that means it is good! I have some cash saved up from my granny and grandpa so all my sweets are on them!

Magnolia Wednesday's sweet: Blueberry Fruit Crisp (not my picture)

The week is FINALLY going faster, I started work, MON for 4 hours, WED for 5 hours! On Monday I worked on the Men's floor and LOVED it! Wednesday I worked on Women's... not as fun. Men are SO much nicer and they actually want advice and like to be helped.

Some other yummy dishes I had this week...(lemon/oregano chicken, spinach, and sweet potato) (cinnamon raspberry wheat pancakes, apples with cottage cheese, hard boiled egg)

Libra

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIBRA'S

SEPTEMBER 23-OCTOBER 22

Keyword: Charm. 

You are active, artistic, easygoing, peaceable, prizes beauty and harmony, is diplomatic, polished, and very socially inclined. 

You BALANCE. 

You are easy to like, you make others feel important and you are a superb listener. You're a born charmer. You are focused on melding and combining with other people relationships are your metier. You try to be all things to all people. You are an incorrigible idealist and quintessential romantic. Affectionate, warmhearted, sentimental, and naturally optimistic.

AND you guys are also awesome because TODAY is the first day of AUTUMN!!!!!!! LOVE it.

weekend

On Friday there was a YSA (young single adult) devotional where a member from the seventy came and spoke with his wife. It was a very lovely evening, complete with a free cookie. Naturally I was happy.  I also ran into an old friend who I met last year at the same devotional. He is from West Point Military School which is upstate. AND I ran into a girl from Jr. High who is now living on Long Island. Small world.

A few things I got out of the devotional.-just a side note, PLEASE take my advice and take a journal to every church meeting you go to and write, write, write. It is SO much easier to pay attention and get inspiration because you are constantly writing, listening, and remembering what the speaker said. Really there is nothing I love better than taking notes at church because it goes faster and you actually take so much out of the meeting. Every talk/lesson can be enlightening and enjoyable if you take notes and let the Spirit talk to you. It is SO easy to get off track when you are just listening but when your pen is moving too it really helps. It is just like school, when you take notes you pay attention, you are alert, you remember better, and you can go back and study. 

-In a bad day there can still be a good moment. Bring happiness to EVERY day, to all things. Be of good cheer. 

-Anything that drains your energy of doing things that God would have you do is opposite of what you should be doing. Even if the things are GOOD things, it may be something you don't need in your life at this time.

-The Lord will help you. If you lay your daily life on Him and ask for His guidance He WILL always be there. 

-You are NECESSARY to His plan. He wants you to have success/happiness/love.

-Council with the Lord. He is the only one who can help. He is the only one who can make impossible things possible. Go to Him, He is the miracle worker. He is known for doing amazing things. He can do miracles in Faith. He loves us and wants to bless us. He is our Father. He is infinite and eternal, He is not limited. 

-He wants us to be happy in this life. Hard isn't bad. We were sent here to HAVE trials, to be tested. Thats is what we are HERE for. Realize that and accept that and be happy through it. 

-Say this everyday "I am a Child of God. I am capable of ALL things through Christ. In His help I can do anything!"

In my personal study I read an AMAZING General Conference talk called "You Are My Hands" (with a title like that you know it will be awesome) by Elder Uchtdorf. I loved SO much of it, I really recommend reading it. 

-“You are my hands.”
-When I think of the Savior, I often picture Him with hands outstretched, reaching out to comfort, heal, bless, and love...offering hope and salvation. That is what He did during His mortal life; it is what He would be doing if He were living among us today; and it is what we should be doing as His disciples and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
-As we emulate His perfect example, our hands can become His hands; our eyes, His eyes; our heart, His heart.
-Let us lift those around us.
-We cannot gauge the worth of another soul any more than we can measure the span of the universe. Every person we meet is a VIP to our Heavenly Father.
-One woman who had been through years of trial and sorrow said through her tears, “I have come to realize that I am like an old 20-dollar bill—crumpled, torn, dirty, abused, and scarred. But I am still a 20-dollar bill. I am worth something. Even though I may not look like much and even though I have been battered and used, I am still worth the full 20 dollars.”
-Love is what inspired our Heavenly Father to create our spirits; it is what led our Savior to the Garden of Gethsemane to make Himself a ransom for our sins. Love is the grand motive of the plan of salvation; it is the source of happiness.
-As we extend our hands and hearts toward others in Christlike love, something wonderful happens to us. Our own spirits become healed, more refined, and stronger. We become happier, more peaceful, and more receptive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit.
-Contemplate with reverence and awe how our Savior embraces us, comforts us, and heals us, let us commit to become His hands, that others through us may feel His loving embrace.

Here are some pictures from Serendipity last weekend..

 I have PERFECTED the perfect smoothie. Seriously though, I LOVE it, it is my favorite thing. I have it EVERY day.
-half green apple
-2-3 inch piece of cucumber
-frozen peaches (I used to use berries which probably have more nutrients and all that but I also bought frozen peaches and  pineapple (which by the way, it is good to have pineapple everyday, it is good for your digestive system and therefore good for your waist line... I haven't tried the pineapple yet but the peaches are AMAZING in this smoothie)
-a couple handfuls of spinach
-a 1/2 cup-ish of Orange Juice (I don't measure) - I use Simply Orange with High Pulp
-a 1/4 cup-ish of plain non-fat yogurt
-1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
-a handful of walnuts

don't let the color scare you it literally is so so so DELICIOUS! Just trust me!

Oh and I also found something that was an amazing fact for me.

Mindlessly consuming liquid calories is one of the easiest ways to blow a healthy eating plan: An afternoon gourmet coffee drink or 20-ounce soda can be just as detrimental to your diet as a cupcake or a brownie -- and chances are, it's got little redeeming nutritional value. 

Read more at Wholeliving.com: The Rules of Snacking - Healthy Eating and Recipes - Whole Living

So since I don't drink anything but water then I am all set to have a cupcake (or any other sweet delicious thing) everyday because most people have a soda or coffee everyday! haha I'll take the sweets!

I've decided I am getting good at being alone... haha on Saturday night I left my apartment around 5 and made my way to Chelsea Market (one of my favorite places) I shopped a little at my second favorite store, Anthropologie, GOOD SALES, and then walked through all the shops. For the first time I ate....out... alone. Yes, it was depressing, no conversation, just me and the counter waiting for my food. BUT my food was DELICIOUS. My favorite chocolate milk has a store in Chelsea market, Ronnybrook Milk Bar. I ordered an avocado/mozzarella/tomato/and some other stuff on the softest pumpernickel bread EVER and it was SO SO good. I used ALL the self control in the world to say no to a homemade ice cream sandwich (because I already bought myself a brownie) and a milk shake (because it was $6 and I am cheap) BUT the lovely waiter probably felt bad for me cause I was alone so he gave me a lovely sample of one of their famous milkshakes. I might go to Chelsea Market and get a new treat every weekend. They have ALL kinds of milkshakes (even apple pie and pumpkin and the list goes on and one) and the place is filled with so many sweet little shops with great treats. It may be my lonely tradition! At least it will be tasty. Gosh I need to come to this city with my significant other/husband one day. Things are so much better when LOVE is involved. I went to the high-line after and read for a couple hours before it got to cold and I returned home. This is the view from where I read.

Sunday-I had a lovely breakfast (apple and blueberry wheat pancakes and an attempt at poached eggs... I think something is wrong with me or my stove... it wasn't working out. It turned more into a soft boiled egg (which is actually my favorite egg dish) and it was delicious), lunch was provided by the church (it was a huge young single adult conference sacrament meeting) PB&J on wheat, and dinner (wheat penne pasta with baby tomato's/garlic/white beans/olive oil/Parmesan cheese.) Naturally there were snacks in-between (smoothie/cereal) Oh and 1/2 my brownie from yesterday for dessert. (wow I had a lot of grains today) It sounded like a good day until my mom told me she made ribs and potatoes for dinner.... Jealous. I can't remember the last good hearty meal I've had.

The meeting was very good but first a little quote from MWW (Marvelous Work and A Wonder) in remembrance of the greatest ELDER Wilkins and all of my other dear friends and family and loved ones who have/who will/who are serving a mission for the LDS church and really to any others who have not gone on a real 'mission' but who have served in the church in other ways..

"The LDS are not paid for their services, and thousands of them have left their families for a time to do missionary work in the nations of the earth, paying their own expenses and without remuneration from the Church, yet they are the best paid of any priests in the world because of the joy and satisfaction the Lord plants in their hearts, which could not possibly be purchased with money."

Moroni 8:16 'For perfect love casteth out all fear"... maybe that is why I LOVE love so dang much!

Strive to have Christ-like attributes and He will protect you and provide deliverance. Be available to the Lord and be believing in His purposes for you. If you become available the Lord can and will use you. The Lord will take you by the hands and provide opportunities and expereinces for you.

We each have a divine purpose, have faith to come to Christ and pursue it.

Recipes and Stuff

Recipes this week.

Black Bean & Zucchini Quesadilla


1 cup chopped zucchini
1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin
2 whole wheat tortillas
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons salsa

Make it: Saute first 4 ingredients for 5 minutes. Place mixture on tortillas; sprinkle with cheese. Fold in half and cook in pan until cheese melts and tortilla is toasted. Top with salsa.

I used Monterey Jack Cheese and no Salsa. It was delicious!

Lemon Basil Pasta With Summer Squash

2 ounces (2/3 cup) dry whole-wheat penne
1/2 cup chopped zucchini
1/2 cup chopped yellow squash
1/2 cup canned white beans, rinsed and drained
1 lemon, juiced
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil

Make it: Boil pasta and drain. Toss with remaining ingredients.
-NOT good for leftovers. Throw away if you don't finish it, half it for one serving. 

As for other things...

Grateful list. The Secret says, when you are grateful and recognize the things you appreciate in life, more good things will come to you. Say "thank-you" continually. SO.. since I would love all good things to come into my life.. I am starting a list, whenever I think of things I am grateful for I write them down, also every morning I wake up and say thank you, and I say it every time anything good happens. Try it.

An amazing quote from Henry B. Eyring from his talk entitled Act in All Diligence
"This is the Lord's Church. He called us and trusted us even in the weaknesses He knew we had. He knew the trials we would face. By faithful service and through His atonement we can come to want what He wants and be what we must be to bless those we serve for Him."

And my new favorite quote from President Thomas S. Monson-Preparation Brings Blessings
PRAYER IS THE PASSPORT TO SPIRITUAL POWER

...my sweet tooth is back....and it is HUGE. I don't keep anything in the apartment, so when I really want something I have to go out and get it. I tried to not have sweets during the week, just on the weekend but... I failed! Oh well.
-Oatmeal chocolate chip cookie- it was FREE (wednesday)
-Fresh 'walk-away' apple pie from a farmers market- delicious (thursday)
-Carmelita bar- heavenly goodness from Whole Foods..I only ate half (friday)
-Ginger cookie- again FREE, love church activities! (friday)
oh... and my weekend treats rolled into this week as well
-Turtle brownie- literally BEST EVER brownie from Fat Witch Bakery in Chelsea Market
-Mango Licorice- my love. seriously, it is who I have date night with..
What can I say.... It is a LOVE/hate relationship.. me and my sweets. At least all the servings were small!


J.Crew-so far I have learned how to fill out lots and lots of paper work. AND I can successfully fold men's dress pants and the 'skinny' fold for women's tops. Oh... and I have the shopping down! My first 'real' day was suppose to be Monday but my training got cut short today so I am finishing up with it on Monday. Then I'll be on my way to making customers happy!

Sorry for the boring lack of pictures.... I haven't really taken any because I don't really do things that are picture worthy....

new best day ever

Before I start on my 'New Best Day Ever' I have one more 'new'...

-New Addiction- Heart to Heart Kashi Cereal. Honey Toasted Oat. AMAZING.

-New Best Day Ever- Yesterday beats every other day ever..  It honestly was FILLED completely with a constant stream of inspiration. I was only able to go to Sacrament meeting and I went to a CES Fireside and I literally wrote 8 pages of notes. My mind has never before been filled with this much love, light, and inspiration from my loving Savior. It was a miracle and such a blessing. Naturally lots of it was very personal so I won't share details but there are a few things I would like to share.

My ward got split today so we have a new Bishopric, we were able to hear the testimony of both our old and new bishop along with their sweet, loving wives and counselors. It was an amazing meeting. Such strong priesthood holders, the leaders of my ward and stake all speaking one after another, the Spirit never stopped flowing and growing. It really got me so excited for Conference!!!

In the past week I have had such a desire to fall completely into the Lord's arms, and I have. He has been my surviving force, has been my strength, has brought me success and happiness. I know He loves me, and all his children and that He celebrates in our happiness. He does all He can to help us reach our highest potential. My trials were sent specifically to me so I can be made strong and whole. I am so grateful for my loving Father in Heaven, for His peace and comfort.

CES Fireside-Richard G. Scott

This talk was so amazing. Elder Scott is seriously THE MOST ADORABLE man in the world. I absolutely love him and his teachings. It was all about marriage and he talked about his sweet wife who passed 15 years ago. I really recommend that everyone listen to this talk.

In marriage it is okay to have a difference of opinion, because you can then take the subject to the Lord and everything He says is correct. If you agree to always turn to the Lord then everything will work out. 3 is better than 2 especially when one of those 3 knows all things!

Always spend PERSONAL time together. Time to talk and communicate, time to continue falling in Love. Also have spiritual time together everyday. Read and discuss scriptures and gospel topics.

Make every situation positive and happy. Make your house free of conflict, a place where the Spirit can dwell. Express gratitude OFTEN and compliment each other.

Show expression, show love, say and share the natural expressions of love. Be compassionate, find joy, be the balance. Understand the plan of happiness, see the good, enjoy the little moments, glory in them. Recognize Gods hand in life. Love your life, love being alive. Serve others. Ask to be an instrument in the Lord.

All things are possible to the Lord. Eternity is a LONG time, live worthy so that in His time all blessings will come. Seek to know the will of the Lord as guided by the Spirit. He will inspire, guide, and richly bless all His worthy children.

This week I decided to write down goals that come to mind, I have plenty but these are ones I thought of yesterday...
-Be an excellent public and social speaker
-Once I am married and have a house have a dinner party every other week for friends/family
-Be a servant of the Lord, everyday
-Love and serve everyone, strive daily for Christ-like love
-Always continue growing in the gospel; study, discuss, read, pray, learn more everyday
-Again once I am married have date night with my husband every week, no matter how busy we are, plan time for us!
-Say 'I love you' and hold hands with my husband everyday
-Live so that everything I do makes my husband happy
-Have my children know that I am their best friend, have them want me to be their best friend

everything new

-New Goal- learn to communicate better. It is always something I REALLY struggle with. I don't like to cause conflict or contention, I hate arguments, I never want to hurt someones feelings so I tend to keep things to myself. It has caused me MAJOR problems  my whole life. When there is no communication, nothing can be fixed. But it is in my nature to avoid it at all costs. My goal is to CHANGE my nature, change myself so that I can be willing to communicate from the start. I LOVE being a Pisces, I will actually probably try to plan my children's births so they are born a Pisces. BUT this is our ONE and ONLY downfall! haha. We are just too darn emotional and compassionate. (If you want a re-fresher in what your sign means, there are short descriptions posted on the side)

-New Experience- I did Baptisms for the Dead yesterday in the Manhattan Temple and I was in a Spanish speaking group. This usually happens but someone always baptizes me in English. Not this time. Elder Wilkins would be so proud! I was Baptized and Confirmed in Spanish!

-New Book- I got my library pass the other day and read BEASTLY. It was pretty good, and a very quick read. (It is almost a modern day Beauty and the Beast.. which I am craving to watch now, only instant netflix doesn't have it, sad.) Apparently there is a movie coming out soon. I returned my book (the library is conveniently close to the Temple) and got a new one. This particular location of the NY Public Library is rather small so most of the books on my list aren't at this one, so I picked up THE LOVELY BONES. It is a movie now, I haven't seen it. Hopefully it is good, I haven't heard from anyone who has read it so, we'll see.

-New Faces- Next to the library is a fire station. It was 9/11 so they were having a memorial type service outside. LOTS of fire fighters... If you don't mind me saying, MANY of them were dang attractive. Why is that? It seems that all are. All that I've seen at least. Just an observation. I would personally never want my husband to be a fire fighter, I am selfish and would rather have them safe and at home...but I am VERY grateful for them!

-New Sundae- Strawberry Fields Sundae at Serendipity. Strawberry ice cream, strawberries, cheese cake, strawberry syrup, and cream. DELICIOUS. I went with my lovely friend Carrie, we partook in the year of death together last year.

-New Route-Carrie and I decided to walk home from Serendipity (It is between around 2nd ave, I live around 7-8th ave. and it is on 60th street, I live on 70th. So it is a pretty decent walk). I have never walked Central Park South before and it is lovely. All the high end apartments, The Plaza, etc. are all along this road and I loved it. The apartment on this road were beautiful and huge. And WAY TOO expensive. I really like it uptown. I have become so much more oriented with the city. I walked from Columbus Circle (which is where my new job is) to my apartment for the first time and I passed so many restaurants and lovely things and it made me really love this place. It is so much better than midtown where I was living before.

-New Dream- If I become the next Jenna Lyons then I WILL live on Central Park South. Or if I am smart with my money I will buy a place in Brooklyn like the current Jenna does and just stay at the Plaza Hotel every once in a while. 

-New Place-Like I said, my job is at Columbus Circle, so I will be there frequently. Actually noticing what it has to offer really has me excited. It is right by the park, there are lovely steps and places to sit and read, there is J.Crew, naturally, along with Borders, Whole Foods and many other stores. It is such a nice place.

-New Song- 'I need thee every hour' I always knew this was a good song and for some reason it was playing in my head over and over today. I have my 2 favorite hymns so I usually turn to those but today I turned to this song.

I need thee every hour most gracious Lord. 

No tender voice like thine can peace afford.

I need thee every hour, stay thou nearby.

Temptations lose their power when thou art nigh.

I need thee every hour in joy or pain. 

Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.

I need thee every hour most Holy one. 

Oh, make me thine indeed, thou blessed Son!

I NEED THEE, OH, I NEED THEE; EVERY HOUR I NEED THEE!

OH, BLESS ME NOW MY SAVIOR; I COME TO THEE!

pure perfection, such a beautiful song.

-New Craving- well..... it isn't a NEW craving but.. PIE! pie, pie, pie. Oh the fall makes me think of PIE. I always want it, I don't know where to find it. Oh how I just want to be home for Thanksgiving. 2 years in a row is NO GOOD. Hopefully I find some, or find someone to share some with so I can make one. 

-New Team- FIT dance team auditions were today. It was SO good to dance again! It felt amazing. I am going to be so sore tomorrow, I might not be able to walk.. but it made me SO happy.

-New Best Day Ever- Today, Sunday September 12. I'll save this for it's own special post though.

Jenna.

OH MY GOODNESS. BEST DAY EVER!!!!!!!!

I met.

shook hands. 

and talked.

with.

the woman.

I want to be.

when I.

grow up.

JENNA LYONS.

the.

president.

and.

executive creative director. 

of.

J.CREW!

my life.

is now.

complete.

THANK YOU..

Fashion's Night Out.

New York City.

J.Crew.

and Jenna. 

SO 

EXTEMELY

HAPPY

RIGHT

NOW.

big smile. 

Here she is.

and again with her cute boy, Beckett.

her shoes.

amazing.

and finally Jenna with the best pants in the WORLD. 

I want, I want. 

One day.

This will be me!

oh how I love today

Oh what a joy today has been and will continue to be
-It is chilly outside. Central Park, reading a book I got from the library, for 2 hours, in a sweatshirt! It was so so good! I actually had goose bumps! YAY.
-I also got my J.Crew schedule for next week. It is going to be a good week!
monday: interview/speech skills class
tuesday: FIRST DAY AT J.CREW
wednesday: 2nd day at J.Crew
thursday: lace/embellishments class
friday: 3rd day at J.Crew
saturday: should have jewelry design class... but it is canceled
FINALLY a week with some structure to it! I can't wait!!!
-I actually took a warm shower and didn't have to turn my fan on for a little while (It has been a sauna in my apartment since I moved in, thank goodness for the cool weather!)
-Tonight is 'Fashion's Night Out,' basically every store has a huge party, there are celebrities everywhere... everyone gets all dressed up supporting fashion because it is fashion week. For me... I will be seen at Anthropolgie in Chelsea Market from 6-7 and J.Crew on Prince St. from 7-9. HOPEFULLY I will be able to meet Jenna, the creative director of J.Crew, who is my idol. I basically want to be her.

what I've been up to..

Breakfast at every meal... breakfast: special K cereal, mid morning meal: peaches with cottage cheese and whole wheat banana pancakes, mid afternoon meal: Greek yogurt with grapes, blueberries, raisins, walnuts, and prunes, dinner: toast and eggs scrambled with asparagus and light swiss cheese. What can I say, it's easiest and yummiest, and since I am too lazy for anything but cereal in the morning I get all day to make my other favorites.

I've been feeling really sick lately so I haven't been able to go out much so I've just been working on my wedding inspiration journals. I have only gotten through the flowers/decorations/accessories images that I have stored on my computer so far, I have about 1000 more pictures of dresses, bridals, engagements etc. Here are a small few of my favorite inspirations so far. All images are found on greenweddingshoes, ruffled, or other random photographer sites I stumble across.

GC-Elder Koichi Aoyagi-Helping Hands, Saving Hands
In relation to missionaries- "The Elders had something wonderful that I never felt before. They were diligent, cheerful, and filled with love and light. I wanted to become like them."
A quote given by President Thomas S. Monson- "..we are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness... We are the Lord's hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us."

A couple random thoughts..
-I just want it to be cardigan and hot chocolate weather. SO bad!
-I started Lost and there was a scene where a guy had to show Jack someone in a body bag for identifications... WHO decides they want that to be their job? I mean people obviously do, I just would love to know someone when they decide that is their calling in life, so I can ask why? How did that decision come about? I am grateful for them, it is essential and everything but....just an odd occupation.
-"Struggle is natures way of strengthening"

monday

What I'm thinking now...
-I will try my hardest to never say "and...um" EVER again when speaking in public I heard it about 100 times in Testimony meeting. NOT exaggerating.
-I love grapes, but I dislike paying for groceries
-I want CHOCOLATE
-I am going to be SO bored this week. No classes due to holidays, and I don't start work til next week. No friends, nothing to do... I might die.
-Conference is in less than 1 month
-Only EIGHT more Fast Sundays until Elder Wilkins comes home!
-EVERYONE should watch PRISON BREAK and Heroes, both are available through instant netflix, it plays right on your computer!OH and also, watch Star Trek! You won't be disappointed.

The Secret: BELIEVE-Know you will get what you ordered from the universe and relax! See the things that you want as already yours. ASK, BELIEVE, KNOW, act, speak, think as though you are receiving it now. The law of attraction will powerfully move all circumstances, people, and events, for you to receive. Claim the things you want by feeling and believing they are yours.

MWW: 'A high government official, after reading the Book of Mormon, made the following statement: Of all the American religious books of the Nineteenth Century, it seems probable that the Book of MOrmon wass the most powerful. It reached perhaps only one per cent of the pwople of the united States but it affected this one per cent so powerfully and lastingly that all the people of the United Sates have been affected especially by its contribution to opening up one of our greatest frontiers.'

-I LOVE this book (A Marvelous Word and a Wonder-LeGrand Richards), and I LOVE the Book of Mormon. It is true, it is a history of our continent, of OUR people. It makes sense for there to be a history of America, it has been here just as long as everything else. It would be weird for their to NOT be a history. AH I just wish everyone could read this book not only so they can have the Spirit testify of it's truthfulness but so they can be informed of the missing history of our EARTH. WE are in the Last Days, there were SO many people who came before us. The Book of Mormon has about 1000 years of missing history from 600 B.C. to 421 A.D. Don't people wonder where this missing piece is?? Apparently not since the believers of this book make up LESS than 1% of the world's population. It breaks my heart.

'It is regrettable that the world moves so slowly in accepting truth. With such a marvelous book in our midst, the companion volume of scripture the Lord commanded Ezekiel to write (the stick of Joseph), which he declared he would join to the stick of Judah (our present Bible), why is the world so unwilling to accept it?...The Book of Mormon..has a place, yes, an important place, in the religious literature of the world; that God himself commanded the record should be kept;that it should be preserved; and that it should be brought forth in due season.'

Today, I made chicken for the first time! Yahoo for me. Lemon chicken with asparagus and sweet potatoes. YUM!

more good thoughts.

First from MWW: (Isaiah 55:8-9) For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. -I LOVE this, God knows all, His will be done! 'We all lived in the Spirit before we were born in the flesh. The Lord knew us and knew the nature of our Spirits and the measure of our integrity.'

GC: Keith B. McMullin-Our Path of Duty-'Though disasters completely disrupt..our ways, they do not have to leave our lives forever shattered. The heavens shall shake, and also the earth; and great tribulations shall be among the children of men, but my people will I preserve.'
-This description of God is absolutely BEAUTIFUL, I adore it!.. "He is the author of the plan of salvation, "the framer of heaven an earth," the creator of Adam and Eve. He is the fountain of truth, the embodiment of love, and the reason there is redemption through Christ. Said President Joseph F. Smith: "All that we have comes form God.. In and of ourselves we are but a lifeless lump of clay. Life, intelligence, wisdom, judgment, power to reason, all are the gifts of God to the children of men. He gives us our physical strength as well as our mental powers.. We should honor God with our intelligence, with our strength, with our understanding, with our wisdom, and with all the power that we possess. We should seek to do good in the world. This is our duty." -AMAZING- The whole talk was very good.

Wilford W. Andersen-The Rock of Our Redeemer-'Hope and happiness and joy are not products of circumstance but of faith in the Lord.' 'Sadness and fear begin to melt away and are replaced by happiness and peace when we put our trust in the Author of the plan of happiness and when we develop faith in the Prince of Peace.' 'He has overcome the world, He will never forget or abandon us, for He has graven us upon the palms of His hands.'

The next couple months are going to be amazing. All my classes sound like they are going to be incredible, and all the teachers seem really awesome. It will be so nice to not have such a heavy school load. 3 classes only; interviewing/presentation skills, lace/embellishments class (will be AWESOME knowledge for wedding dresses), and jewelry design. This semester I am focusing on the other part of the industry which is working. I am so excited!!!!

I found this picture from Kara's bridal shower, even though it is a few weeks late I am still going to post it. Me and my Dance Club girls!!! Kenzie, Kara, Abi, and Megan.

And this is my roommate Nicole, we use to dance together at The Dance Club as well. (She modeled some of my designs for my portfolio)

another happy day

I DID IT I DID IT! I GOT THE JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am the newest Sales Associate for the Columbus Circle J.Crew. I had my interview today it went so well he hired me on the spot!

Why do I want to work for J.Crew you ask? Because I AM J.Crew, it has become part of me, of who I am. It is honestly the ONLY brand in the fashion industry that I would ever want to work for. It is perfection. I LOVE the product, it is like Christmas every time a catalog comes in the mail. J.Crew makes me happy! I never feel prettier or happier than when I am wearing J.Crew and I want to bring that passion to others. J.Crew is timeless and the most lovely store in the world!

I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!! I start September 14th.

P.S. Have you ever been asked on the spot to name 10 positive traits about yourself? Try it.. and if you can't think of that many ask your family and friends. (That is what I had to do.. I only thought of 5) It is a really good list to know, to think about. I had to do it for my presentation/interview/speech class, but it is something that I think would be good for everyone.

ALSO it is a very special persons birthday today... my lovely TALYN CAMP!!!!! Happy 20th my love! I wish I was there to celebrate with you. I LOVE YOU!

happiness

Today was my first full day alone in the city. It was a very good one! First things first.. I held off of sweets.. weird thing is that I haven't even been craving them at all for over a week.. Oh wait.. I almost forgot... I was handed a FREE SAMPLE of HAAGEN-DAZS chocolate ice cream at Union Square. Yes, FREE ice cream. Perfect little size with a spoon and all! Couldn't ask for anything better!

I woke up, did my exercises, blogged, did my lovely morning routine of reading amazing books, dropped off a few more applications, got an interview with the closest J.Crew (Columbus Circle) for tomorrow, and talked with the hiring manager at the Prince St. store. HOPEFULLY something works out!!!!! (I really hope it is the Columbus Circle one or the Bridal one-but honestly any will do) I relaxed, wrote a letter to Taylor that I can't send to him, read the chapter about interviews that was assigned to me for class this week (figured I should read it before tomorrow, I need all the help I can get), worked out on the elliptical for 15 minutes (SO much better than running) and did some weights, then finished the day at HOT YOGA. It was hard, I haven't been for about 5 months, it kicked my butt but felt so good! All and all a lovely day! (P.S. below is pictured the best window display EVER. Thank you J.Crew Bridal)

Attitude makes all the difference! Love today!

Happy September.

I love September, the changing weather, the changing schedule, the changing of clothes, everything about it. It is one of my favorite months. (Not to mention.. I met my Best Friend 5 years ago this month) I hope it gets chilly soon or at least not blazing hot!

I have started a new daily routine which consists of reading a lot of different material. The Book of Mormon, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, May 2010 Ensign-General Conference, and the Secret. I will most likely be posting many of the insights I receive here on my blog so, just a heads up, along with my life story I will be putting up quotes and things that bring me joy and understanding, inspiration.

I've chosen to do this because I feel like it will be the best use of my time while I am here. Here I am cut off from MY world of friends, family, and loved ones, to seek opportunities. For those of you who don't know I am also cut off from communicating with my best friend Elder Wilkins, due to the fact that we are in the same area and it is against the rules to write. SO.. I need the help of my loving Savior to help me have faith, strength, love, and confidence while I am here alone. I am excited for my personal growth that will come this year. AND I am always welcoming phone calls, packages, advice, support etc. It is a good thing that I am independent when it comes to being able to live on my own, and that I accept change easily.. it is not good that I am a romantic and a care giver and I LOVE love, because there won't be much of that for the next few months.

Now that I dove way too deep into my personal feelings I will get on with the insights I received while reading:

1 Nephi 1:20- The tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.

A Marvelous Work and a Wonder (abbreviated MWW) was suggested to me by my loving daddy. He recommend this and 3 other books that I will be reading while I am living here this semester. So far (I'm only 3 chapters in) it is amazing!!! Really such a great book it covers the basics of my religion and is honestly so rich with testimony of the truth of this gospel.

MWW- 'It has been said that a nationally prominent radio commentator once made the statement that he had been asked what message could be broadcast to the world that would be considered more important than any other....he came to the conclusion that to be able to announce that a man who had lived upon the earth had died and then had returned again with a message from God would be the most important message that could be broadcast to the world. This being true, the Latter-Day Saints have the most important message for the world today.' Isn't that AMAZING?! I loved that.

MWW- In relation to our belief that God is a person rather than simply a Spirit, that He has flesh and bones, that we are made like unto his image. 'How could God without body, parts, or passions be expected either to see, hear, eat or smell? How could any child of God be expected to understand, much less to love and be loved by such an incomprehensible God..?'

General Conference (abbreviated GC) Boyd K. Packer-The Power of the Priesthood "The Book of Mormon makes it clear we will never dominate by numbers. But we have the power of the priesthood.. It might seem hopeless, it is monumentally difficult, but if is not only possible but certain that we will win the battle against Satan."

GC Julie B. Beck-And upon the Handmaids in Those Days Will I Pour Out My Spirit "We want to be ladies in ever deed, not according to the term of the word as the world judges, but fit companions of the Gods and Holy Ones.. women should be women and not babies that need petting and correction all the time." "When we have done our very best, we may still experience disappointments, but we will not be disappointed in ourselves."

The Secret 'You can have whatever you want in life, no limits. But there is one catch: you have to feel good. If you are feeling good, then you're creating a future that's on track with your desires.. Everything we think and feel is creating our future. Add feeling to your wanting. You have the power to change anything, because you are the one who chooses your thoughts and you are the one who feels your feelings. You create your own universe as you go along.'

'There is no greater power in the universe than the power of Love.' Say continually to yourself, over and over again "Life is so easy! Life is so good! All good things come to me!" and they will!

-Wow, sorry, this was a long one. I promise they won't continue to be this long every time!
Enjoy the day, enjoy September. Just sit and smile, knowing that life is GOOD, and God is good!

Back to the City.

NYC.

lots to post. It has been a little crazy moving in and getting settled. BUT I am here, I am settled, and I am doing well!

Let's start with Thursday night. Naturally the flight was delayed 2 hours, didn't take off til about 1:30. As we were waiting for take off on the plane a lady was yelling at her husband "Just stuff it in, shove, just get it in there, it doesn't matter" I thought, hey it must be a big suitcase that is trying to fit in the overhead compartment. Nope, when I saw what it was I almost fainted.... it was her newly bought WEDDING DRESS!!!!! Are you kidding me??? She was stuffing her huge, new wedding dress, literally shoving it into a corner of the compartment. Saddest thing I've ever seen. I don't even want to know what it looked like when it came out. Sad day.

I can't sleep on airplanes, and red eyes are no different, so it was a long ride but it was good, I read Mockingjay the whole time (from the Hunger Games trilogy) it is AMAZING!!! Love the series, love this book!

My apartment is tiny tiny, but we make it work. We spent the day unpacking the suitcases and organizing some stuff but I didn't have all my stuff that was in storage so there wasn't too much we could do. We walked around through Central Park to Madison ave. where we started our J.Crew tour. Picking up applications at every one. (There are 7, not including Menswear) J.Crew Bridal never seems to disappoint! We met a lovely man, who worked there,  named Teddy who is so sweet! Our tour for the day ended down at the South Sea Port where we ate our dinner. Uno Chicago Grill. Delicious. We had a yummy vegetable pizza and a salad with watermelon, blueberries, and other good things.. both were excellent.

My mom and I drove a creeper cargo van... complete with white paint and no windows. One of those vans that when you see it you are a little nervous that there is a meth lab going on inside or that there are kidnapped kids. I felt like a creeper. We drove to Jersey, to my lovely friend Emily's house to pick up my stored things. We stopped at Wawa to enjoy in the best coffee cake (which is more like an amazing cinnamon roll) and some Tastykakes. On the way back we stopped at Ikea for my bed frame then kept moving in all night.

I went to both of my wards (my old and my new) and then continued with the final set up of my room. It worked out nicely. Mom and I found a nice Italian restaurant right down the street where I consumed the best ravioli ever, spinach filled with mushroom sauce. Perfection. We got gelato on the way home, I had Oreo, and it was delicious.

Monday we ran some errands and went to the Shake Shack. BEST shake ever... well it was their famous Concrete which is made with custard. I had vanilla custard with fresh bananas. AMAZING! SO good. I had class, speech/presentation/interview class. My least favorite thing to do but something I need to learn and get good at. I am WAY excited for this class. My teacher is great and I think I will learn a lot and gain more confidence. It is all about finding yourself and being about to talk comfortably and confidently. Just what I need. SO happy that this class is going to be good, I was really worried about taking it. BUT I know I need it, interviews are the scariest things ever for me. My mom and I went to Mama Mexico to have the best fresh guacamole known to man. FRESHLY made right at your table.

My mommy left on Tuesday. Before she left we enjoyed a lovely Magnolia's Bakery breakfast (2nd breakfast, the first being a very healthy and delicious greek yogurt and fruit mix with walnuts and raisins) and it was tasty as always. Banana pudding and a fresh peach muffin! Lovely morning. We said our goodbyes, always sparks a tear when my best friend leaves me. But it is all good! I filled in applications and walked around in the 1000 degree weather dripping sweat from every single pore dropping off applications. HOPEFULLY I get a job! and even more hopefully at J.Crew Bridal. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE that oh so very much!

My apartment is located in a great spot. Well... I am far away and have to use a subway to go anywhere I need to except... Magnolia Bakery is on my block just on the East side, Mango Licorice is just at the grocery store I go to, The temple is 4 blocks away, the gelato place down the street is actually very tasty (I am kind of a hard judge-Italy), pinkberry is just just up one block, Central Park is over 2 blocks, the Shake Shack isn't too far either, there is a gym in my building too which means I am all set! That is all I've discovered so far.. I am sure I will be able to explore and find more hidden finds in this beautiful city!

*sorry there aren't many pictures... my battery was dead for the first couple days. I am rather sad about it.