Saturday, November 26, 2011

Pie Fest #2

 

Snickerdoodle
Walnut
Banana Cream
Pumpkin Chiffon
Fudge Brownie
Berry Lattice
Coconut Sweet Potato
Berry Patch (Granny)
Millionaire -not pictured- (Taylor)
Pumpkin -not pictured- (Carol and Larry)

MMmmmm....
So DELICIOUS!


movies.

I finally saw Breaking Dawn and loved it.



I am a HUGE fan of the books. I've read them all 3 times or so. I am not a huge fan of the movies, but I really liked this one! (probably because it had to do with a wedding). I loved her dress, and I want her wedding! It was gorgeous.

A "mock" of Bella's wedding dress (apparently it's for sale)
Loved the long sleeves

This is the first movie I've seen in the theaters since August... it was nice. I went with Bain and Mom. I'm also excited for some upcoming movies (that I probably won't have time to see...)

The Vow.
2 of my favorite people.
Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum

Hunger Games
BEST BOOK EVER! 

"Black Saturday" at Avenia Bridal

If you are getting married
COME
If you know someone who is getting married
TELL THEM

20-75% off designer gowns
(literally almost every gown is reduced)

AND a free veil ($150) with the purchase of a gown!!! 

Avenia Bridal
228 East University Parkway Orem UT


Friday, November 25, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving.

Gratitude Day 23 (Wednesday)

I am grateful for my job.
I am grateful for my haircut. (3 inches.) (Jared at Remedez)
I am grateful for Seth and Jenn who flew in today.
I am grateful for Magleby's Chocolate cake.
I am grateful for my AMAZING family.
(We are awesome! and have so much fun together.)
I am grateful for soft sweats and comfy sweaters.
I am grateful for Star Trek.
I am grateful for Taylor.
I am grateful for fashion/clothes/style. 
I am grateful for my body. 
I am grateful for today.
I am grateful for my life.

Gratitude DAY!!! HAPPY THANKSGIVING. Twenty fourth day. (Thursday)

I am grateful for Thanksgiving. My favorite holiday.
Here are some pictures that prove why today was wonderful.

family Christmas card picture!

THE FEAST!
my plate. ate every bite! DELICIOUS
pie fest #1
REAL family pictures...


the cute boys

Granny and Grandpa



I can't stank face...


such proud parents


We also did black friday for the first time. 
(Mom, Jenn, Bain, and I)
well actually... 10pm Thursday 
only for J.Crew Factory

LONG line of cars
long wait. it was cold.
(the sales were the same as Tuesday.. so it wasn't as worth it as we were hoping)


I am sad this grateful challenge is over. Maybe I'll keep it going. It is nice to remember how many things there are to be grateful for. The little everyday things that make life worth living. It is SO easy to dread and worry and be consumed with the hard things in life when in reality there is SO much to be thankful for.

Life in general is such a blessing.
to live.
to breath.
to be on this Earth.
to have a family.
to believe.
we are blessed.
we owe everything to our Heavenly Father.
He is the reason we live.
He is the reason we breath.
He is the reason we have this Earth.
He is the reason we have our families.
He is the reason we believe.
He is the reason we are blessed.

I am grateful for my Heavenly Father. 

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Food list.

Thanksgiving Day Feast

  • Turkey
  • Green Bean Casserole 
  • Cranberry Waldorf Salad (MY FAVORITE)
  • Indiana Corn Casserole 
  • Cranberries
  • Sweet Potatoes (with marshmallows!)
  • Mashed Potatoes 
  • Green Salad (oranges and grapefruit and pomegranates and poppy seed dressing)
PIE

  • Pumpkin Chiffon (one with graham cracker, one with gingersnap)
  • Banana Cream (graham cracker crust)
  • Walnut
  • Snicker-doodle
  • Berry (coconut crust)
  • Coconut Sweet Potato (gingersnap crust)
  • Brownie
Yes, be jealous. 

Gratitude month is ALMOST over...

Gratitude 21 (Monday)

I am grateful for the fact that I was home before 9pm or later on a school night. AND that I didn't do any homework today (granted I was feeling really sick so that is why I came home). I took at  nap from 330-5, had a meeting at work from 5-630, showered, then went to Tay's to watch Star Wars (which I have NEVER seen before). We started with 1 and are working our way through them all (they are actually pretty good!).

Gratitude 22 (Tuesday)

I am grateful for J.Crew Factory SALES!!!!!!!! Tay and I went up after I got off of work today.
  • 40% off practically everything in the store
  • 20% off when you spend over $125 (print from Tanger Outlet website under J.Crew)
  • 15% off for being a college student (bring your ID, you also get the discount if you are a teacher) 
I spent $197.32 and SAVED $298.96!
I got a cable knit sweater, 2 button up shirts, 2 sweatshirt/knits, a jeweled T-Shirt, and gold hoop earrings, along with a present from my mom and sister ALL for under $200! Thank you J.Crew Factory! 9 items



 I was happy. I am happy. I want to go back and get more because it was SUCH a steal!

I am so grateful it is THANKSGIVING BREAK.

I just have one exam to complete online, then no homework til Saturday. It's going to be a good week.

PIE. PIE. PIE. PIE. PIE. PIE. PIE. PIE. PIE.

Today's (Tuesday) Outfit

Cashmere Cardigan, Necklace, Bracelets, Belt: J.Crew
Shirt, Earrings: Banana Republic
Jeans: Hudson
Boots: Steve Madden (Nordstrom)

Monday, November 21, 2011

so.....



I think I'm ready for break..
I don't think I've fully listened to anything any of my teachers have said today.
homework?
ha..
good luck.
bring on the pie.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

odds and ends. Gratitude Day twenty.


-a lovely song. I am grateful for music.
 

-some favorites from this season. I am grateful for J.Crew.

-my cute Grandparents came in to town today for Thanksgiving. I am grateful for them. They are so kind and giving. They do SO much for us, they are so generous and loving. I am so happy they are here!

-I was given (my favorite) symphony chocolate bar today in Relief Society. I am grateful for inspired loving people. and chocolate.


-Gorgeous (NON-STRAPLESS!! well..yes strapless but with a little more cover) wedding gown. I am grateful for beautiful creations. ((apparently the groom above is Ralph Lauren's son... Obviously he designed his son's fiances dress!! INSANELY AMAZING!!!!)


-The man that I get to spoil one day will dress like a saint. I am grateful for J.Crew sweaters for men. My favorite.



-another gorgeous gown. with sleeves. I am grateful for beautiful (modest) wedding dresses... they are sometimes very hard to find.

-basically today I am grateful for the time I got to spend laying in bed browsing inspiration online and NOT doing homework!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Gratitude day 19

I am grateful for my sweet sister Bain.

My room has gotten out of control messy.

Sunday is my pick up day and last Sunday I was so busy that it didn't happen.

It was DRIVING ME CRAZY but I did not have time to clean it up at all the past two weeks.

I came home from work at 4 and I was not looking forward to cleaning my room....

I walk upstairs to this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!








Out of the kindness of my sweet sister's heart
she woke up
saw my room
and decided to clean it for me

She picked up, she vaccumed, she dusted, she made my bed, she even organized my closet.

Best sister ever????
I think so.

Thanks BAINY-I love you.

P.S. I may or may not have cried when I saw my room......

and just for fun, some cute pictures my mom found from when she was young

1962 (look at my cute Granny!)
1974 
look how cute and little she is!
2010

2 outfits..
I couldn't decide which one..

Outfit 1:
Pants: Anthropolgie
Everything else J.Crew

Outfit 2:
Shirt, Pants, Belts: J.Crew
Blazer: H&M
Boots: Steve Madden (Nordstrom)

P.S. NORDSTROM IS LEAVING UNIVERSITY MALL
depressing.
not only is there no more shoe shopping
or jean shopping
or jewelry shopping
but there is now less hope then ever of an
Anthropologie
or
J.Crew
ever coming to Orem...
If Nordstrom can't make it...no one can.

(apparently they want to make Nordstrom more high end and ... Utah County doesn't cut it)


and because I never posted my favorite J.Crew cover...I will now.

pure perfection

Friday, November 18, 2011

more thanks

Day 17. Thursday.

It would not be a gratitude month unless there was a post about my best friend Taylor. 
We spent the night doing homework in the library-like we do every night.
To put it simply...He amazes me. 
(I am not going to make this too personal for courtesy sake but..)
When I look at Taylor I am grateful for..


His dedication to school/career/life
The fact that he knows me more than anyone else
His ability to make me smile under ANY circumstance
His strength and how he lifts me up and keeps me going
The fact that we are VERY similar yet EXTREMELY different
His patience and forgiving heart
The trust that we have in each other
The past 6 years and 3 months that he's been in my life
His growth and love of the gospel
The mission he served for our Church
His amazing family and the love that he shows them
His friendship-through the ups and downs

--I could go on forever


Thank you sweet Tay Tay, for everything. 

from then...2005

to closer... 2008


to now.. 2011

Day 18. Friday

I am grateful for

SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW
**************************

so pretty. 

--------------------------------------------------------

and I'm also grateful for the nice dinner my dad took me to tonight in honor of Lavell Edwards. 

I met some awesome people 
(who were interested and encouraging in my dream to start a stylish modest wedding line-looks like I'll have some support to make that dream a reality!!) 

Let's just say my daddy likes to brag and talk..
He sure knows how to network and spread the word.
Thanks Daddy! 

and thanks to the amazing women I met tonight. 

I left inspired to be better and to do much with my life. 
to love and support unconditionally.
to never give up on fashion.
and to be exceptionally kind and sincere to others.


currently..

ugh.
this library.
BYU.
I've been on this campus too much this week. 
Monday 8am-10:45 pm
Tuesday 8am-11:45 pm
Wednesday 9am-11:45 pm (off campus: Avenia from 2-7)
Thursday 9am-11:45 pm (off campus: Avenia from  5-7)
Friday 7am-hopefully no later than 6 pm (off campus: Avenia from 10-2)

I cannot wait until tonight when I just get to relax, cuddle up, and do nothing!!! 
and sleep. I miss sleeping. 

Almost done! I am SO excited for the 3 day break!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

catch up

flowers and dress!!! AH, in LOVE! 

Day 12 (Saturday)

I am grateful for my massage therapist Amber (Remedez Salon). She is the best person in my life sometimes... she fixes me and I always leave refreshed and rejuvenated. I HIGHLY recommend if you love massages that you buy the 6 month wellness series. 6 massages for $300! It is a GREAT deal. Plus if you pre-book with Amber you get 15 extra minutes, so you are receiving a $65 1-hour massage, plus and extra 15 minutes for only $50. It is the BEST place to spend my money.

I am also grateful for all massages I receive, either by Amber or others who know that they are my favorite thing!! 

Day 13 (Sunday)
I am grateful for my testimony. I know that Heavenly Father loves me and answers my prayers. I know that trials only make us stronger (no matter how much they hurt). I know that the temple is the greatest place on Earth. I know that having daily scripture study improves your life. I know that we receive personal revelation today, and that I receive it on a daily basis. I know that God knows everything, He knows what is best and that I need to trust in his timeline. I know that hard things will be worth it in the end. I know that this gospel is what keeps me surviving. I know that God lives, that Christ is my Savior, that He lived and died for me. I know He knows my pains and sufferings. I know He has forgiven me and that He will always forgive me through the Atonement. I know that I will be with my eternal family (my current family as well as my future family when I get married and have kids). I know that it is only through Christ that we can receive all blessings that we are entitled to. I know that we have a living loving prophet today and that his words along with the words of past prophets are from God. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true, and I love it. 

It is MUCH harder to stay up on reading, studying, praying, etc. while living here in Utah going to school. That may sound weird but when I lived in NYC I RELIED solely on this gospel and my Savior to make it through each day. I LIVED for the hour that I spent studying and growing closer to Christ. I had no other support, no one else to turn to except my God. I miss those days. I miss that feeling of constantly being wrapped in my Heavenly Father's arms. My goal is to try to get back to where I once was. I do not have an hour each day to dedicate to reading the scriptures (unless I go to sleeping 5 or less hours a night instead of 6) but I know that there is still more I can do. I am busy, I am stressed, I am pressed for time, BUT it is only through God that we can manage these things. God only wants to help. If we give Him our time, He will pour out His blessing to us. 

I am grateful for my Savior, for His Atoning sacrifice. I am grateful that He loves me enough. I am grateful that He knows me by name. I am grateful that He knows what I need. I am grateful to know Him. 

"I stand all amazed at the Love Jesus offers me, confused at the grace that so fully He proffers me. I tremble to know that for me He was crucified, that for me a sinner He suffered He bled and died. 

I marvel that He would descend from His throne divine, to rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine. That He should extend His great love unto such as I, sufficient to own to redeem and to justify.

I think of His hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt, such mercy such love and devotion can I forget? No, no I will praise and adore at the mercy seat, until at the glorified throne I kneel at His feet.

Oh it is wonderful that He should care for me enough to die for me, Oh it is wonderful, wonderful to me!"

Day 14 (Monday)

I am grateful for...

Zupas (my Mom took me to lunch) their bread is MY FAVORITE ever AND their soups are incredible. (I tend to get the Thai Peanut Chicken Salad and the Mushroom Soup! delicious!) 

Pumpkin Bread-I made the first batch of the season on Sunday and got to devour it while I was in the library slaving away.. made things much better!

My bed. I wish I could spend more time in it.

Day 15 (Tuesday)

This quote I read in my Doctrine and Covenants student manual

D&C 117:6-7

'Those who ally themselves with the Lord will ultimately prosper. God has power over all and will cause all things to work together for the good of those who walk uprightly and follow His counsels (D&C 90:24)'
"In relation to events that will yet take place, and the kind of trials, troubles, and sufferings which we shall have to cope with, it is to me a matter of very little moment; these things are in the hands of God, he dictates the affairs of the human family, and directs and controls our affairs; and the great thing that we, as a people, have to do is seek after and cleave unto our God, to be in close affinity with him, and to seek for his guidance, and his blessings and Holy Spirit to lead and guide us in the right path. Then it matters not what it is nor who it is that we have to contend with, God will give us strength according to our day." -John Taylor

sweat pants

I wore big dance sweats, a big NYCDA sweatshirt, and my big puffer coat to school today. First time all semester. I felt like a bum BUT when you are at school from 8am-11:50pm it is SO worth it. I was comfy. It was nice. (hey, I'm a dancer, I am entitled to wear my dance clothes every once in a while right??)

AND the HOLIDAY J.CREW CATALOG!!!!!
finally.


There are SO many things I am DYING for... DYING!! 
I. LOVE. J.CREW. FOREVER.
(I'll post my wish list...after this week is over)

Day 16 (TODAY/Wednesday)

I am grateful for Gavin DeGraw. 
His voice.
unreal.
I listened to his album "SWEETER" full blast in the car today...
HIS VOICE!! 
ah. it kills me.

I also just realized that my favorite holiday is in a week!!! 
(where did November go?) 
Not only is it my first Thanksgiving home for 2 years but it will also be the first Thanksgiving with my WHOLE FAMILY in 4 years!!! 
2007 and 2008 Seth was on his mission
2009 and 2010 I was in NYC
Now we're all going to be home. 
Including Jenn and the grandparents.

I am grateful for holidays! Especially Thanksgiving.


Oh and fun news...
Remember Brandon Harvey, my dear from since Jr. High
HE'S GETTING MARRIED!! 
He are some of the cute engagements I stole off FB.



Long post-I apologize.
I just needed to catch up it was driving me crazy!

I'll end with some outfits...nothing too exciting, it is definitely the season for comfy and putting hair up (my hair gets SO static-y in the winter...no bueno. Plus I need a haircut-BAD. I get one next week (since I'll have time-no school)

Comfy Casual

Outfit 1: Saturday at work then the library
All J.Crew
Necklace: Anthropologie 

FAVORITE pants, they are like dressy sweatpants. They are basically "me" in a pant. I love being comfortable while still being fashionable. Currently I LOVE dressing up my comfy with a heel (especially these booties, they go with everything!) This sweater is another one of my FAVORITE purchases for last season. SO warm and comfy, and such a gorgeous design. 

Outfit 2: Bain going to Church
Dress: Banana Republic
Cardigan: J.Crew
Scarf: Urban Outfitters
Socks: ??
Boots: Nordstrom (I think..Steve Madden)

Outfit 3:Wednesday at school then work then the library
Sweater: Taylor's closet.. it shrunk so I took it when he cleaned out his closet post-mission (unsure of brand/store)
Everything else: J.Crew

 Felt like adding some neon in a scarf and a belt (hidden in picture). I also wore my bright yellow J.Crew coat.One of those days where I thought color may brighten the mood of myself and others.

Bain came into my room as she was getting ready and somehow we managed to wear the same colors without even planning to. 
Two ways of wearing Black and Teal

Bain:
Blazer: H&M
Dress: Nordstrom
Socks: Forever 21 (thanks Seth and Jenn)
Boots: Target

Me:
All J.Crew 
Earrings: Nordstron
Bow/Belt: off of an Anthropologie dress
Watch: Michael Kors

Sunday, November 13, 2011

I'm a little behind. Day 11.

Gratitude Day 11 (Friday)

Today I am grateful for FAMILY.
First off, it was Seth's 24th BIRTHDAY today (Friday)!! 
Happy Birthday SETHY!

I am grateful for Seth and Jenn: They make me laugh SO DANG MUCH! They are definitely two of the best people I know! I CANNOT wait to see them over Thanksgiving! They are perfect for each other, hard working, and so in love! I look up to them and am so happy to have them in my life. I love you both!

New Years Eve-2010
 I am grateful for Sy: He is probably one of the sweetest and most thoughtful people I know...even if I don't always act like I appreciate it..I'm not a very touchy person, but I do know that his hugs and kisses everyday are coming from his sweet heart. He also dropped everything the other night (hanging with his friends in the basement) just to make his starving sister (me) a quesadilla at midnight after getting home from a long day at school. Such a stud. I love you.

Talyn's Birthday Party-Sept. 2011


I am grateful for Bain: She is now in high school and I LOVE that we share clothes, talk about boys, and chill on my bed pinning on pinterest and laughing whenever we are both home (usually this happens at 11:00pm or so). Tonight The Dance Club had their annual benefit concert called Art with Heart for Shriners hospital. Have I mentioned how amazing my sister is at dancing?! Well she is! She did SUCH a great job. I love you.

after Art with Heart-Nov. 2011

I am grateful for my Mommy and Daddy:

Katie's Wedding-Oct. 2011

Mom, you are hands down the BEST MOM EVER! You do SO much for me, and you know it! haha, sorry I still have to bum rides off you to school and work, but even when it's midnight you still do it with a smile on your face. You have always helped with homework (for all 4 of your kiddos), and you stay up late and wake up early to make sure we are on top of things. You are completely SELFLESS and I love that about you. I hope to be like you when I am a mother. Thank you for making us breakfast, and lunch, and dinner, and snacks, and treats, and doing the laundry and running errands, and loving us all unconditionally. I think I can speak for all when I say that you are an angel and you bless many lives, our family knows it, and so do all of our friends. You are everyone's favorite. I love you.

FIT dance concert-May 2011

Dad, you are the most hardworking and innovative man there is. No matter how much your back is hurting, how tired you are, etc. you go to work everyday-using all that you know to provide for our family and I admire you. You have never given up hope, you have never taken a day off just because you couldn't take things any longer. You are also extremely SELFLESS and I know that everything you do is for your family. You are so smart and educated, you have worked your whole life to get to where you are. From an Idaho farm boy to an expert in Real Estate (and all the other fields you have succeeded in) you are a prime example of a hard working, motivated, dedicated man and father. You spend your free time helping others, bringing them to truth and knowledge. You are a helper and a problem solver. I love you.

4th of July-2011

I am so extremely grateful for my family.

Family Picture-Aug. 2010

Thursday, November 10, 2011

random moments of gratitude..

on day TEN I am grateful for....
split toes and bleeding feet. It means I got to dance today! Here is the dance I choreographed for my Jazz class... 


(I'm the one in the green shorts)

and also..
 I am grateful for Christ and Christ-mas. 
I just received this sad email today...

-------------------------------------

White House will not do Christmas!

Thought you might be interested in this information from the White House.. This isn't a rumor; this is a fact. A very talented artist for several years has painted ornaments to be hung on the various White House Christmas trees.

The WH sends out an invitation to send an ornament and informs the artists of the theme for the year. She got her letter from the WH recently. It said that they would not be called Christmas trees this year. They will be called Holiday trees.  And, to please not send any ornaments painted with a religious theme.

She was very upset at this development and sent back a reply telling them that she painted the ornaments for Christmas trees and would not be sending any for display that left Christ out of Christmas.

Just thought you should know what the new residents in the WH plan for the future of America .

If you missed his statement that "we do not consider ourselves a Christian Nation" this should confirm that he plans to take us away from our religious foundation as quickly as possible. Just another step toward turning America away from Christianity!

We should shout to the highest hills that the White House is ours - not the Obama's, and 85% of Americans believe in Christ (Christmas) 
-----------------------------------

on a lighter note...here is a lovely picture from the J.Crew Holiday catalog. It warms my heart and makes me want hot chocolate and a nice cozy blanket snuggled up in a cabin in the mountains.

J.Crew
and also..
Excedrin Migraine,
Mountain Dew (which I haven't had in FOREVER...I used to live on it in high school...now I hardly EVER drink carbonation or caffeine. This week I needed a little boost though)
and
the fact that I now have 3 out of 5 Physical Science Exams (yes you read right, FIVE total-absurd!!) out of the way.

AND this gorgeous wedding (Dress-Avenia Bridal Custom Creation!)
Real Bride Carly featured on Green Wedding Shoes 
really though GO TO THE LINK. adorable!




(She is also the cover girl of BYU's Bridal Guide magazine!)


It's seriously perfect.
The other wedding on the link is also an Avenia Bride. Dress Vineyard Collection.