Snow Day

Born in a stable, cradled in a manger, He came forth from heaven to live on earth as a mortal man and to establish the kingdom of God.  During His earthly ministry, He taught men the higher law.  His glorious gospel reshaped the thinking of the world.  He blessed the sick.  He caused the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear.  He even raised the dead to life.  To us He has said, 'Come, follow me.'

As we seek Christ, as we find Him, as we follow Him, we shall have the Christmas spirit, not for one fleeting day each year, but as a companion always.  We shall learn to forget ourselves.  We shall turn our thoughts to the greater benefit of others.

~Thomas S. Monson

Merry Christmas!

A Christmas Carol

For those who know me well, know I LOVE Christmas music.  Listening starts secretly sometime in October and publicly in November and just coasts on through December and then some.  I don't get tired of it and I'm not sure how that's possible, but I can listen to twenty different versions of I'll Be Home For Christmas and love every one.  I have my favorites and seeing as Christmas is a week away and it's prime time for carols I thought I would share a few of those favorites so you too can join in my love of the seasonal tunes.  Enjoy!

O and if you haven't heard the lyrics to Were You There? you can view them here, makes the song even better.

Born This Way

The other night, and by the other night I mean a week ago, I was with a group of friends and a conversation started about wishing we were all born to do one great thing.  Being born with one amazing talent that will sustain you for the rest of your life, something you'll enjoy that just comes naturally. Unfortunately I was not born with this gift.

I'm ok at a lot of little things that allow me to be of service to others and keep myself entertained, but no real talent I could make a living off of.  Am I missing the point of my little talents?  Perhaps, but aren't we always told to do what you love and love what you do?  I definitely don't fit this statement and sadly I don't think many of us do, but for those that do: how??  I mean really, how does some chick in Wisconsin realize her talent in life is making cast iron skillets in the shape of the fifty states? (Martha Stewart Living reference).  I suppose passion has a lot do with it.  Passion, drive, patience and faith. 

I've been in this whirlwind of trying to find my place for some time now, but only in the past week has it really been weighing on me.  Lord knows I'm not getting any younger and there's no time like the present.  I need to find my passion, that one thing I know I could do forever and love.  

"Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard.  Do not let pain make you hate.  Do not let bitterness steal your sweetness.  Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place."

-Kurt Vonnegut

Attitude of Gratitude

"....live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you."

Alma 34:38

Happy Thanksgiving!

Halloween Hi-jinks

   

Whitney, Drea, Kristina and I went to a party at Spring Haven in Hobble Creek Canyon on Tuesday night and though there weren't as many people there as last year we got Whitney to party for the first time in years and witnessed how a sock monkey would dance.  I call that success!  

At work we decided go for the theme of 'musicians' and I have to say the girls went all out!  My first choice was Willie Nelson, but after fearing no one would recognize me I went with a classic.  Everyone loves Britney!  We had a fun day laughing at each other listening to "our" greatest hits, gorging ourselves with pizza and donuts and watching the maintenance men scare countless employees with what I call the garbage can devil.     

We ended the sugar filled and tiring day with a wolf mask and an empty garbage can because that's how you stay sane in our office.  It was another fun and eventful Halloween come and gone.  Now time for turkey and Christmas decorations!

Back: Indian, raccoon, LMFAO's Redfoo, Adele, Shania Twain, Nikki Minaj, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Susan Boyle
Front: Elton John, Gene Simmons, Slash, Justin Bieber and Katy Perry

We're in-charge....scary isn't it?

Weekly Fall Challenges

Today while catching up on my blog reads, I came across Joanna Goddard, from A Cup of Jo's, post about an idea for Weekly Fall Challenges, after being inspired by the documentary Happy and this quote, “happiness isn't being cheerful all the time, it's being interested in things—finding out more about something, learning how to appreciate something better, incorporating something new that fits with what you already have."

I immediately jumped on board, my spirits lifted, my tired eyes suddenly awake and focused! Then I read the first challenge and realized the difficulty that ensues. No TV for a week! Don't judge me, I like my corny CW shows and my new love for Futurama. Though I'm sure it will probably be difficult at times, just think of all the things I could accomplish, the new experiences I could have without the burden of television weighing down on me. Fine I'll do it, but I'm NOT cutting out movies. Impossible!

If you would like to join in the weekly challenges you can follow them here! I can't wait to see what's next! But seriously because my fall shows are starting.

Ogden

For three days last week and one looooooong day this week I have been working in Ogden commuting to and from Provo and Salt Lake.  Let me just say I am wiped.  I only drove for an hour and half each way, some days less and by the time I was done I didn't even want to look at my car, how do people travel for a living??  Granted they are probably going some place more exciting than Ogden, Utah, but I mean really.  Living out of a suitcase or in my case a duffel bag and eating out for every meal?  Stops being fun after the twelve hour shift on day one I think.

On the bright side of it all I was able to spend three of those nights with Maddie and Trevor, it was just like Three's Company except two of the roommates are married!  They were the best hosts, making sure I had breakfast every morning, offering me dinner every night and not sending me to bed before I'd  had my bowl of ice cream.  I honestly don't know if I could have made it without their generosity.  Their house, the people and animals that occupy it really make you feel like you're home even if all of your toiletries are in travel containers.  Since coming home I've told myself I need time to "catch up on rest" aka lay in bed and watch movies. My "fatigue" combined with the cool weather leaves me no choice really.  

And Ogden I apologize, you're not all that bad.  I did enjoy downtown Washington Boulevard and your old town tree-lined streets.  

Turntable Kitchen

Turntable Kitchen is a side project by a San Francisco couple combining cooking with music, two of my favorite things!  You can look up recipes along with the selected playlist on their website, but my favorite part?  You can sign up to receive a 'pairings box' each month.  The package contains the recipe, dry ingredients and playlist (on a seven inch vinyl single!) all bundled up in a brown box with white string.  I want to sign up!

This is Halloween

I'm dying to decorate for Halloween!  I want my house covered in pumpkins, witches, black cats, leaves and every other Halloween icon you can think of, but I promised my roommate Lindsay I would wait for her to come back from New Mexico so we could combine forces in giving our house potential for a Halloween party (perhaps?).  Until then I will light pumpkin scented candles and search for a costume while dumbly smiling at my first ever legit Halloween decoration.  Reminds me of The Nightmare Before Christmas.

I love this time of year.  I love seeing everyone in jackets, I love the thought of curling up in a blanket with a mug of hot chocolate, I love the sight of kids soon running around under the street lights wearing adorable costumes and filling their bags with candy.  I love the treats, the smells, the colors, I love it all!  

At work we've decided to be musicians and turn our office into the 'Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame' and I've chosen Willie Nelson, partly after watching an episode of King of the Hill when Hank meets his hero and partly because I don't have to buy anything for the costume which is both awesome and sad.  I don't know how I feel about being Willie at other Halloween parties though so I'm on the look out for another costume.  Suggestions?  Usually I have my costume picked out in May so this is different for me and I'm starting to feel the time crunch, only 33 days left!  

Loner

The other day while stuck at a stop light on Center Street I noticed a woman, maybe in her thirties, sitting outside at the cute Italian restaurant on the corner, alone. Well, alone with a book, but none the less enjoying a simple alfresco Italian meal in the setting sun. I was mesmerized by this, by the courage! She looked so natural like it was nothing, how is that possible?

I've thought about lone dining before, but I've never had the courage to sit there without thinking I look like a sad fool. What's her secret? Just balls out and do it? I'm too shyyyyyy.  I've mastered loner movies, so why not dinner?  I think the secret is to sit outside, take a book, where sunglasses and own it. Ok I'll do it, but I'm not telling when or where to save myself some drive-bys. Nervous.

Pumpkin Cake

My aunt Carolyn made this for Drea and I on our last trip to California and it is one of my new favorite fall treats.  Best served cold with lots of whipped cream!

1 package angel food cake mix
1 29oz can pumpkin filling
1 1/2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
1 cup water

Mix all ingredients together, pour into a 9x13 non-greased baking dish and bake for 40 min at 350 degrees.  Let cool completely before serving, add whipped topping.

"...to hunger is to live, and even when we lose things that really matter, we can always taste, and in tasting, have our appetites restored."

-Tamara Adler

Single Serving Chocolate Chip Cookie

This is the best and worst thing I have ever found on the Internet.  Perfect to curb my new constant craving for a chocolate chip cookie....and no I wasn't eating this in bed so don't ask.  My mouth is waterrrriiiiiing...

1 tbsp melted butter

1 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp brown sugar

3 drops of vanilla

pinch of salt

1 egg yolk

1/4 cup flour

2 tbsp chocolate chips

Mix together in a deep bowl or mug and microwave for 40-60 seconds

Let's go

I was supposed to be on vacation right now. That's a depressing thought isn't it? Plans fell through and will hopefully start up again at a later date, but the thought of a vacation has already been implanted in my brain and I can't get it to go away, it's so bad in fact I OFFERED to go to Idaho. Idaho!

I spent the better part of my work day looking up flight fares for different destinations, trying to find which one would be the most practical right now and even if it's not I'll justify it! So far my top picks are San Francisco or Savannah, surprise surprise. Mmmm doesn't San Francisco sound amazing in the fall?? Jackets, scarves, boots, hats! Or that could just be my excitement for fall in general.  I've never been to Savannah, but in my mind it's always beautiful, slightly warm, green, sunny and perfectly southern. 

My next dilemma is finding a travel companion, San Francisco! Who's with me?

Dear Believer

Edward Sharpe and & Magnetic Zeros

Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake

Take it from someone who doesn't like baked fruit, this is delicious!  Perfect amount of lemon with a hint of orange and a simple glaze to finish it off.  Try it, you won't be disappointed!

1 lemon cake mix

1/2 cup orange juice + 2 tbsp for glaze

1 cup water

1/3 cup vegetable oil

3 eggs, beaten

1 & 1/2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen

1 tbsp lemon zest

1 tbsp orange zest

glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tbsp orange juice

Preheat oven according to cake mix instructions and grease bundt pan.  Mix together cake mix, orange juice, water, vegetable oil and eggs in a mixer until well combined.  Fold in lemon and orange zest and blueberries.  Fill bundt pan and bake according to cake mix instructions.  Let the cake completely cool in the pan, flip over on a tray or cake stand then drizzle on the glaze!

*iPhone pic, don't judge me....

 

I always look forward  to my nights on Roosevelt Avenue spent in the cozy home of Maddie and Trevor  and this past Monday might have been one of my favorites.  First, Maddie and I cruised the streets before heading to the grocery store to make my dreams of a warm cookie and a cold glass of milk come true.  We wandered the store gathering a random assortment of food including a frozen CPK pizza and a twelve pack of Tab and laughed  at  with our cashier.  

As I mixed up the cookie dough Maddie "prepped the TV for whatever we want to watch" while calling Trevor to make him jealous he wasn't there.  Next the sweatpants went on, we sat our butts on the couch with a heaping plate of chocolate chip cookies and two lazy animals and proceeded to watch whatever looked best on Hulu.  Not too long after Trevor came home, joined right in and I'm pretty sure we all sat on the couch for the rest of the night until bedtime.  I love having these two in my life and I'm grateful they're always willing to open their home to me.  Thanks bess frens!

Let Me Come Home

I dream of having my own home at least ten times a day.  I dream of a place to store all of the kitchen supplies I've avoided buying knowing a hoarding roommate will fill the void.  A home to decorate and fill with things I love instead of what was cheapest at Ikea, and a home that feels warm and inviting and smells sweet, but most importantly a place to come home to and actually feel like I'm home.  

It's a subject that consumes my thoughts and has me scouring listings on the Internet for available studios and one bedroom apartments.  Thinking of shelves I'll fill with books and knick-knacks, the smell of cookies that will fill my kitchen, milling around the house finishing up chores listening to music, not worrying who I might wake up.  This is what I dream of.  

"Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can.  He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends and pour out peace.  Whoever will lose his life in the service of God will find eternal life."

-Ezra Taft Benson

Toxic update

I read this article today in the September issue of Marie Claire, good explanation for the way I've been feeling...

Toxic, and not Britney Spears Toxic

I've always felt like I'm a good judge of character, but for some reason when it comes to choosing my own friends the radar shuts off. I'm a sucker for someone in need especially when it comes to my friends and genetically I can't say no when asked for help so naturally I'm an easy target for fair-weather/selfish/toxic people.

I've told my sob stories to my family, my best friends, co-workers, basically anyone who will listen and whenever they say “get rid of them!” I'm the one not listening. I've been burned, maybe used is a better term, one too many times over the years (asked to live together then ditched, introducing them to new people and again being ditched just to name a couple) and I continue to keep myself susceptible to being hurt.

After this weekend and a very direct text from my mom I've decided I can finally let go. I know one of my biggest excuses for keeping them around was the fear of losing friends, of not having enough friends, but really how many do we need to be happy? Everyone has a different number and having a bigger number isn't worth having constant hurt feelings. Whyyy hasn't it taken me so long to grasp this concept??

On the complete opposite side of these horrible people are three of the BEST friends I've ever had. I've met them all at different times in my life and they are all kind, caring, supportive and of course hilarious. I am beyond grateful for them and they have all helped me in some big or small way to come to this realization no matter how many times they've had to repeat themselves. I am perfectly happy with my small number and there's always room for more, but this time around I'm going to be more aware and careful and listen to those who genuinely care about me.

This is now my third, and hopefully final blog, somewhat inspired by the need for change, but then again I guess having three blogs was already trying to fulfill that need.

I'm not sure which direction I want this blog to take, I have no intentions of becoming popular or being sponsored, I'm just hoping to use this space as a mixture of updates, pictures, quotes, music, current faves and the things I love most, so prepare for a lot of posts about food.

I've grown a lot in the past year and even in the past few months, I feel comfortable with my age, my style, my interests and most importantly myself.  There's always things that could be improved (like fixing my one Diet Coke a day habit or laying off morning donuts) but so far I feel.....content, well almost.

I have a few plans for the future that I hope will fill in the cracks and I'm excited to see them unfold!

"So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future.  The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure.  The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new life, you must lose your inclination for monotonous security and adopt a helter-skelter style of life that will at first appear to you to be crazy.  But once you become accustomed to such a life you will see its full meaning and its incredible beauty."

-Letter from Chris McCandless to Ron Franz from Into the Wild