Monday, October 29, 2012

fall = busy

I wish I had more exciting things to post - and the time to post. But most of what I am working on is currently on the down low (aka wedding stuff).

I go to work, and when I am not working I am sewing and creating. I am super stressed and want everything done before schools starts in the winter so I hate spending (wasting) time on the computer posting. Though, I do wish I posted more - I realize I don't have much to post about. Taylor is gone, and I work, go to Pilates and yoga class, sew, and plan. That's all.

I did sign up for winter classes which I am excited about. 4 out of my 5 classes are with Taylor so that will be SUPER nice!

I watched the last 5 seasons of One Tree Hill while I've been sewing - I highly recommend them. Favorite show by far. AND I listen to a lot of Taylor Swift (love her new CD).

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Romney

The Milk Story 


Thursday, October 25, 2012

debate #3

My dad, Taylor, and I thought this quote (that my dad wrote in his scriptures on his mission) sums up Romney's strategy for his final debate nicely...

"Only the confident can afford to be calm and kindly; only the fearful must defame and exclude." - Obert C. Tanner

And my Uncle posted this on his FB and I thought it was interesting so I thought I'd share...

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

Bush's Fault:

This tells the whole story, why Bush was so bad at the end of his term.
If in doubt, check it out!

The day the democrats took over was not January 22nd 2009, it was actually January 3rd 2007, the day democrats took over the House of Representatives and the Senate, at the very start of the 110th Congress. The Democrat Party controlled a majority in both chambers for the first time since the end of the 103rd Congress in 1995. For those who are listening to the liberals propagating the fallacy that everything is "Bush's Fault", think about this:

January 3rd, 2007 was the day the Democrats took over the Senate and the Congress.
On January 3rd 2007, under Bush and the Republican Congress:

The DOW Jones closed at $12,621.77
The GDP for the previous quarter was 3.5%
The Unemployment rate was 4.6%

George Bush' s Economic policies SET A RECORD of 52 STRAIGHT MONTHS of JOB GROWTH!

Remember the day...

January 3rd, 2007 was the day that Barney Frank took over the House Financial Services Committee and Chris Dodd took over the Senate Banking Committee.
The economic meltdown that happened 15 months later was in what part of the economy?

BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES!

Unemployment... to this CRISIS by (among MANY other things) dumping 5-6 TRILLION Dollars of toxic loans on the economy from YOUR Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac FIASCOES!

Bush asked Congress 17 TIMES to stop Fannie & Freddie - starting in 2001 because it was financially risky for the US economy.
And who took the THIRD highest pay-off from Fannie Mae AND Freddie Mac?

BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA!

And who fought against reform of Fannie and Freddie?

OBAMA and the Democrat Congress
So when someone tries to blame Bush…

REMEMBER JANUARY 3rd, 2007.... THE DAY THE DEMOCRATS TOOK OVER!"

Budgets do not come from the White House. They come from Congress and the party that controlled Congress since January 2007 is the Democrat Party.
Furthermore, the Democrats controlled the budget process for 2008 & 2009 as well as 2010 & 2011.

In that first year, they had to contend with George Bush, which caused them to compromise on spending, when Bush somewhat belatedly got tough on spending increases.

For 2009 though, Nancy Pelosi & Harry Reid bypassed George Bush entirely, passing continuing resolutions to keep government running until Barack Obama could take office. At that time, they passed a massive omnibus spending bill to complete the 2009 budgets.

And where was Barack Obama during this time? He was a member of that very Congress that passed all of these massive spending bills, and he signed the omnibus bill as President to complete 2009.

If the Democrats inherited any deficit, it was the 2007 deficit, the last of the Republican budgets.

That deficit was the lowest in five years, and the fourth straight decline in deficit spending.

After that, Democrats in Congress took control of spending, and that includes Barack Obama, who voted for the budgets.

If Obama inherited anything, he inherited it from himself.

In a nutshell, what Obama is saying is "I inherited a deficit that I voted for and then I voted to expand that deficit four-fold since January 20th."

The media cover-up and propagation of the myth that “Bush did it” and “Obama inherited a huge mess too difficult to clean up in one term” has been working.
There is no way this will be widely publicized, unless each of us sends it on!

"Apparently, I'm supposed to be more angry about what Mitt Romney does with his money than what Barack Obama does with mine."—Anonymous


HAPPY VOTING!

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

j.crew

Sadly I've been less than excited about the recent catalogs - obviously there were things I loved but nothing that truly made me jealous and sad because I shouldn't buy anything + the things I want I can't afford. Until November's Style Guide.

I AM DYING!!!!!!

There are so so so many incredible pieces I want SO bad. Ugh... thank you J.Crew for finally being amazing again - even though you make me thoroughly sad because I am not rich. I truly wish you would drop your prices. We all know that the majority of what gets sold only sells once it's on sale + a promo. So just put the price there to begin with.

So many gorgeous colors + prints + pieces.



a post on manners

A post about manners when inquiring about babies and marriage - I get ask the variations of this question, "When are you getting married?" ALL TOO OFTEN... and I know MANY of my married friends get asked ALL TOO OFTEN questions like, "So, when are you having babies?"

My advice: It is rude and non of your business to ask these questions - when the person/couple wants to share news - THEY WILL.

Here is what "The Classy Woman" has to say in her post, Manners Monday: Asking About Babies and Marriage.

what I wore..

When Taylor came to visit.

(The outfits were important since I haven't seen him much and when we skype I am always in sweats with my hair in a bun on top of my head..)

Wednesday

Sweater: Gap; Shirt: Anthropologie; Pants: J.Crew; Boots: Steve Madden; Bracelets: Gifted and FIT jewelry class; Earrings: Target; Watch: Michael Kors
(and I got a haircut - which I actually like (normally I HATE haircuts)

I picked this outfit mostly because of the gold anthro shirt. I bought it with him this summer and it is one of my favorites. It was also the first time I wore boots this season! So that was exciting.

Thursday
Shirt, Sweater, Boots, Necklace: J.Crew; Jeans: Anthropologie; Earrings: Target; Watch: Michael Kors

I knew we'd be up in the mountains so I chose jeans and boots. The sweater and shirt combo just happened in the morning. I had lots of my sweaters out and this one seemed to work best. I love the chambray on jean look but knew I'd need something a bit warmer. It was perfect - I was never hot or cold (and I guess Taylor got the button up and sweater combo memo as well - cute twiners we were) 

Friday
Shirt, Sweater, Boots: J.Crew; Jeans: Hudson's; Earrings: Banana Republic; Watch: Michael Kors

I knew I wanted to wear my white jeans when Taylor was in town and my teal silk blouse became a fast favorite so it became the perfect combo. The warm wool sweater was perfect for the rainy day because it protected my silk from getting wet.

Saturday
Sweater, Coat, Pants, Earrings: J.Crew; Scarf: gifted; Boots: Ugg

It was FREEZING at my house. I had planned a black jacket (we were headed to the"black-out" BYU game) but decided to bring out my puffer. Mostly I just tried to wear black - which for me meant grey. 

Sunday
Sweater, Skirt, Shoes, Tights, Bracelet: J.Crew; Watch: Michael Kors; Earrings: Francesca's

This is my newest favorite skirt so naturally I wanted to wear it. I paired it with my cashmere sweater so I was cozy all day. I love the monochrome look and was sad I had to add tights to the mix. I went with a light grey which matched the detail on my gold shoes.

Taylor came to visit!

Wednesday night I got to pick up my sweet Taylor from the airport. We stopped at Sconecutter on the way home to his house.


Thursday I had to work in the morning and then Taylor and I went to Sundance to ride the chair lift up in the beautiful leaves! It was GORGEOUS. We had yummy caramel popcorn, pumpkin bread, and hot cider. It was so relaxing and wonderful to be out in the mountains. I highly recommend going before the snow comes! We ate Bajio with Taylor's family for dinner while watching the Vice Presidential debate.


















Friday after work Taylor and I went up to Zermatt. We made yummy dinner (tostadas) and had our favorite Midway churros. Then I made him watch The Lucky One. 




On Saturday we went to the BYU football game with my family then we went back up to Zermatt for another date night of relaxing and hot chocolate.



Sunday was Taylor's last day. His friend was blessing his baby at church so we went to support him then spent the rest of the day with Taylor's family. I had to take him to the airport at 6:30 and we had to say good-bye for another five and a half weeks. It was such a perfect, and much  needed weekend with my love. Thanksgiving can't come soon enough!!!

2016

I saw this and thought I'd share. I try not to be too political on my blog but I thought this was very interesting. I have not seen the film 2016 but my mom's friend who is a democrat saw it and re-posted this comment on her FB.

"Even if you don't vote for Romney, you will want to vote against Obama."

A Democrat's Comments on the Film 2016.

COMMENTS ON THE FILM 2016
By Bob Correal

I had the displeasure of seeing 2016 the movie yesterday. But not in the way you may think. You would think that as a former Obama fan, it would have been a right-wing propaganda filled experience. A waste of my time. It wasn’t! It is not about taking over the auto industry or banks or any number of things that the Obama administration has already
done. Some of that may have been needed to fix the mess....

What the movie does do is lead you through Obama 's upbringing, his early, impressionistic learning years if you will, how his beliefs were formed, by whom and when. I was quite honestly amazed at the many things I learned--right from the horse's mouth, so to speak--from his brother, and others who knew him and that the movie interviews and shows-you hear it from them. The movie was very well done and very factual. It was scarier than any Friday the 13th movie I have ever seen.

There was not a sound in the theater as the movie progressed and when it ended, people just sat there, stunned. There was not a nay-sayer or heckler in the entire group. I might have been one of them had I not been so shaken. It really is a revealing look of who Obama is and where
he and his handlers want to take our beloved country, now that the waters have been tested as to what he can get away with, what it reveals his plans for the next 4 years and beyond is, well, reprehensible. I voted for this man, I had his best wishes in my heart, but he has not returned the favor to the American people. In fact, he seems completely unaware of owing Americans anything, blacks, whites, Hispanics--they are merely a means to an end: a vote to further his agenda would end our America , the way we have known it.

No matter your political leanings, if you love America , you owe it to yourself to see the movie. Why not? This election is not politics as usual, and Obama is not the typical Democrat you may have always voted for- not by any means! Once you see it, you will understand and you will want to do, as I am doing now: encourage everyone to go and see it...I promise you, you will no longer want to vote for this man, you will want to run from him!

Now I understand why his school records have been hidden away, why his past and papers have been locked away from view...why only what they want us to see, have we seen... Obama is NOT what or who you think he is. Charming, yes, black, yes--but without any black American history or empathy in his blood, smart--not as smart as you think...but he has found his pulpit and his blind followers- but I am no longer one of them.

The Agenda: Make CERTAIN Obama does not get a second term which equals: 4 more years to ignore Congress and ignore what the American people want, 4 more years to circumvent our Constitution and bring America morally, spiritually and economically to its knees. He's already proven
he can and will and HAS begun this process already!

Even if you do not want to vote for Romney, you WILL want to vote AGAINST Barack Obama! I am going to make a statement here; you all know I am neither a scholar nor a historian, but: At some point in our history books in the future, the legacy of Barack Hussein Obama will show him in the same dark light as Marx, Lenin and Stalin--who have furthered the misery, suppression and control over their people and sought to spread their oppressive philosophy and dominance throughout the world... IF AMERICA HAD NOT STOPPED THEM! Think about that.

Be careful who you vote for, be very careful. Put your love of America first- it's all we have.

Thanks for listening.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Cutting Fashion

So..I've been busier than normal this past week because I have been sketching my collection for a fashion show that I am participating in at BYU.

I am SO excited for this opportunity, there are about 10 BYU fashion designers who are designing and sewing looks which will be shown at an actual runway show on February 9th!

I am not willing to post my sketches yet and I'm not sure how much I will want to post until after the show... (kind of like my wedding stuff) - so I will try to update and post what I can.

PLEASE mark your calendars for February 9, 2013 - It is on BYU campus, put on by BYUSA. If you are not a BYU student I must put you on a VIP list so be sure to let me know if you would be interested in coming!

I am creating a 12 piece collection and will be showcasing Katie's wedding gown!

(I wish I could show my wedding dress but that will not be revealed until my wedding day)

I am so excited!

Oh, and in more fun aBree Original news - my design blog is now a dot com!!

So please visit abreeoriginal dot com!

To sum up the debate:


(thanks Taylor for sending this to me)

Friday, October 5, 2012

I'm a Mormon.

Taylor and I had scripture study over skype last night and he mentioned this video. I actually have never seen it before so in preparation for conference tomorrow I am watching it tonight. For those who know the LDS/Mormon church and are members, watch it as a refresher. For those who don't know much about the LDS faith, watch it and learn. I hear it is a pretty amazing movie about Joseph Smith and the early history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Joseph Smith the Prophet of the Restoration


And enjoy General Conference this weekend!!!

News: Daddy + Brandon

My dad is amazing! A couple weeks ago he received this major award from UVU, because he volunteers his time and is so great to work with. He has served on the Wolverine board for 6 years and has been president of the board. You wouldn't believe all the great things the people presenting the award had to say about him, it was truly remarkable.

His award is called the Legacy Award which recognizes alumni and friends of the University who have gone the extra mile to contirbute time, energy or resources to UVU and the Alumni Association.

Here is the link to the magazine where he is featured, click on Fall 2012 Magazine, click to page 46. 


Dad, Seth, Jenn, Me, Aunt Carol, Uncle Larry

Brandon and his girlfriend


UVU friends

Family (Bain had dance)
AND since we're on the topic of my dad.....it was his birthday on Monday!!!!

The feast he requested (so yummy)
fresh corn, fresh tomatoes, New York steak, sausage, cheese filled peppers, potatoes

Pumpkin pie for cake

Presents



(love his face, this is Seth and Jenn's amazing homemade card)

AND Brandon's birthday is the day after - so here are the birthday boys!
 No birthday is complete without one of dad's FAVORITE shakes (strawberry, peach, banana from JCW's - it really is so good!) so Brandon picked one up for him!

Happy Birthday!

And since we are now on the topic of Brandon...
HE RECEIVED HIS MISSION CALL ON WEDNESDAY!
He will be heading to Atlanta, Georgia and enters the MTC on November 28
(That is where Seth and Jenn are moving in March)
We are SO excited for him!!!



The family (Seth, Jenn, Bain, me, and Brandon's sister) and Landon's (Brandon's best friend) reaction to..."Atlanta, Georgia"

My dad guessed it! We all made predictions, and oddly enough we all were feeling the south but dad hit it right on! YAY!!

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Spiritual thought: Endure

Last week I stumbled across this talk and I really love it!

Endure and Be Lifted Up  - Russell M. Nelson

I read this while munching on the first homemade caramel apple of the season! I highly recommend you do the same.

Granny Smith Apple
Peter's Caramel (I get mine at funfinity, next to Avenia Bridal on University Parkway in Orem)
White Chocolate
Cinnamon and Sugar

Perfection!

Fashion: Changing Seasons

The transition from summer to fall. I love being able to piece more summery looks with warmer pieces. Still having the option between heels/shoes and boots (once it gets cold I am boots all the way, pretty much everyday - I hate being cold). I haven't pulled out my boots yet but I did put away my summery dresses and swimsuits and brought out my warm sweaters, scarfs, and tights.

I also love the option of being dressy or casual at work. Usually earlier in the week I'm more casual because it is a little slower, but on the weekends I dress up.

Here are two work outfits, showing the transition into cooler weather. 

Dressy look:

 Sweater: J.Crew; Pants: J.Crew; Belt: J.Crew; Earrings: Banana Republic; Necklace: Francesca's; Shoes: Guess via Bloomingdale's (old 2007)

I picked two pieces that were fall fabric (wool pants and merino wool sweater) but kept it bright and fun with two statement colors. I chose a neutral necklace and matched my shoes with my pants so I wouldn't have too many colors going on.

I remembered this look from a few months ago and that is where my inspiration came from for pairing these colors together.


And for my casual look:

Shirt: Ann Taylor; Ruffle Vest: J.Crew; Scarf: gifted; Jeans: Anthropologie Level 99 (LOVE THEM); Shoes: Sperry Topsider via J.Crew

I love this shirt, it was such a good sale find! I love the mix of bright and neutral. I originally was planning on wearing the ruffle vest (no scarf) until I realized how cold I was and remembered that I tend to be cold at work.. I didn't want to find my boots so I picked Sperry's and a scarf to hopefully keep me a little warmer. 

*Why I post outfits*

#1: I have had the opportunity lately to meet with a few women and help them go through their closet and put new and fresh outfits together. It is easy to get stuck in the same routine of wearing the same clothes and it is easy to get sick of what you have...My hope is to provide inspiration and a different point of view on what can go together. Every person that I have helped so far didn't even need to really buy anything new, they just needed to piece clothes together differently - just in a new way to provide more variety. 

#2: I think it will be so fun for me and my future children to look at these pictures and the fashion and either laugh, or be inspired. Who knows? I SO wish there were more pictures of my mom when she was growing up! In every picture I have seen of her I have LOVED her style and outfits and I wish there was more. Hopefully my girls one day will love looking back at these silly outfit posts.