Painting the Air

one month

2012-02-02T17:29:00.000-07:00

Carter is one month old today. How in the world did that happen so fast? And how in the world has he not just been here always?

Being this boy's mother happens to be the best thing in the entire world. He is so curious and alert all the time, to the point that he fights napping because he wants to see what's going on always. At the same time, he's so good at sleeping at night in between feedings. But as soon as the sun comes up and he can see the world again... he is not having any of this being in his bed nonsense. Luckily I can coax him back to sleep on my chest for another hour or so. When he's awake in the day, he insists on sitting up and looking around everywhere. He holds his head up like a champ.

He's already grown so much! He's been having a little growth spurt lately and eating voraciously ALL THE TIME. It seems to be calming down a bit though, luckily for me. Feeding every hour was kind of out of control. He's been a great eater so far. My favorite thing is to watch his little feet stick out of his nightgown and flex while he eats. Or my favorite thing is his funny faces while he wakes up. Or it's how kissable his face is. Or his little grunts. Or his pursed lips when he's filling his diaper. How can I choose?!?!?

Happy one month little man. I love this mothering thing. I love you.

little man

2012-01-22T14:49:00.001-07:00

This little man is my favorite thing. Ever.

one week

2012-01-09T12:35:00.000-07:00

Today this little baby of mine is one week old. It has been the strangest and happiest week ever. I'm exhausted, I'm recovering from being run over by a truck (essentially) and my hormones are going crazy but this little boy is so worth everything and more. He is the cutest thing in the entire world and I just adore him.

Labor and delivery was super easy, for labor and delivery anyway. My water broke at 4:00 am on January 2 and I was dilated to a 3 when we got to the hospital. They put me on Pitocin at around 6:00 am. About 8:00 my contractions were strong enough and painful enough that I wanted the epidural so I got that around 8:30. The nurse checked me shortly after that and I was a 6. Just then, the rest of my water broke (I guess it can happen more than once if part of the amniotic sac remains intact initially? I don't know) and I dilated to a 10 within five minutes. My epidural wasn't quite kicked in and I felt enormous pressure (and pain) as the baby's head started descending rather quickly through my pelvis. My doctor wanted me to spend about an hour "resting and descending" without pushing so the baby's head could come down through the pelvis and birth canal on it's own, reducing trauma to both him and to me and allowing for more natural stretching. So we just hung out for about an hour and a half and I had stopped feeling anything and was rather giddy. It was kind of fun. The nurse came back and could see his head so she immediately called in the doctor, who got there about 20 minutes later. We started pushing. It took ten minutes and four contractions and he was out at 11:05 am. Not bad at all. They placed him on my stomach for me to dry off and it was so fantastic and surreal and emotional and he was screaming and I was crying and Sam was so excited and I'll never ever forget it.

Thanks for all your congratulations, my dear family and friends and readers, both here and on facebook and through text and email. I love you all. And now I have a hungry baby to go feed.

happy new year

2012-01-02T18:31:00.001-07:00

We welcomed this delicious bundle at 11:05 this morning. His name is Carter David, he weighs 7 lbs and 7 oz and he is 19.5 inches long. AND WE LOVE HIM.

37 weeks

2011-12-15T20:05:00.003-07:00

Sam took this picture and then said "Wow, you are very pregnant." Yep. I am.

Guys, 37 weeks means full term! Which means any day now! I am totally ready. My sewing projects are all done, my house is all clean, there are meals in the freezer, the baby clothes are all washed and put away, the hospital bag is packed, the car seat is installed, plus my legs are shaved (for the moment). I am dilated 2 cm and 60% effaced already and the baby's head is low down. Let's get this show on the road! Unfortunately, I haven't felt any strong contractions yet, but still. They could start any time (like tonight, please).

Anybody have any fool-proof labor starting techniques?

the nursery

2011-12-05T11:00:00.002-07:00

So the baby's room has been mostly done for quite awhile, just waiting on some finishing touches. You can see how this room previously looked as our fake guestroom here. It is all finally done now and time to be blogged. Drum roll please.

Ta-da! The crib is from Ikea but we got it slightly used from ksl.com. I painted it and the dresser (which we already had) Dolphin Grey from Glidden which happens to be much more purple than grey in certain lights. Poor baby boy. Since the paint was a free sample, there was no repainting. Please. Like I buy paint. The afghan was made by my late grandmother and inspired the rainbow theme. The map and the rug we already had. My mom gave us the hamper since she wasn't using it.

The crib mobile I made from paint chips (free) and an embroidery hoop from the craft store. It was kind of pain but I like it a lot.

The diaper pail was a baby shower gift. The dresser as I mentioned, we already had. It used to be my great grandmother's and was handed off to us when we got married. I repainted it and used white spray paint on the handles. The changing pad was given to us.

Most of the frames we already had or I got at a thrift store. The artwork was either printed for free or we already had except the Star Wars one at the top. That I bought for Sam from Etsy. I got a cardboard B from the craft store and wrapped it in yarn I already had. B is not baby's first initial (we don't actually have a name yet) but it does stand for Baby and Boy and our last name which starts with B (I'm reaching a little, I know).

This is my favorite spot in the whole house. The rocking chair is soooo comfortable and we found it for $5 on craigslist thanks to a quick text from Sam's sister.

The bookshelf we already had and the books are a combination of already owned books, gifts, and thrift store finds. I couldn't resist the delightfully soft stuffed panda for $5 at Kohl's and the stuffed Yoda and Millenium Falcon I gave to Sam for his birthday. The baby keys were a gift. The stuffed owl I made myself out of a sock using this tutorial. The globe, camera, and birds/cage we already had.

The pom-poms you may remember were made by Sam for my surprise rainbow birthday!

The valance I made using this tutorial and cost $6 or so because I already had the fabric.

The pillow, nightstand, lamp, piggy bank, and Eiffel Tower we already had and the baby monitor was a gift.

Those closet door knobs were a weird coppery/brass color so I spray painted them white also.

The back of the Happy Birthday banner Sam made for my birthday.

So there you have it! Total cost to make this a baby's room? Less than $100. Probably closer to $70-$80. Not too bad I say. Now if only a little baby lived here already...

35 weeks

2011-12-02T14:56:00.000-07:00

It's more like 35 and a half weeks at this point, mostly because I hardly ever wear anything but pajamas anymore so it's hard to have a good photograph day. Comfort is key these days as I have a pinched nerve beneath my right ribs and some serious back and round ligament pain. Also I'm usually quite short of breath. On the other hand, I've had a ridiculously easy pregnancy up until now so I think that I am just going to be grateful for that and grateful that I'm almost done and so close to meeting my little baby love. And super grateful for my husband man who is quite tender and concerned and anxious to make me as happy and comfortable as possible. A man to keep around for sure. On a slight sidenote, watching Sam and Baby delightedly interact by prodding and kicking one another is possibly the best thing about pregnancy.

We had a great Thanksgiving last week. I hope you all did too! We hosted our first one since being married and had Sam's sister and her fiance over. It was small and our guests brought half the food so it was a nice low-key first hosting. Sam made a delicious turkey and pies and salad and cranberry sauce and gravy. I mashed the potatoes, very complicated you know.

Now that it's December, I'm sort of freaking out about how much there is to do before the baby comes. I have this long list. Mostly it's all things that if they don't get done, no one will die. Actually it's all things that if they don't get done, no one will die. But mostly it's projects I've given myself like baby sewing projects and Christmas presents (making them all this year, what is wrong with me?) and various deep cleaning activities. But if the spice cupboard in our kitchen doesn't get cleaned out and I don't finish making a stuffed Chewbecca doll, I think it will be fine and no one will care but me. And I'm almost done with the Christmas presents and it's only December 2. So no need to be stressed, right? Right?!?!?

33 weeks

2011-11-15T16:56:00.000-07:00

Well 33 weeks is getting up there, I feel. We are collecting more and more baby items and I am getting more and more sore and unable to sleep. It's very exciting. We've attended our first birthing class which was fun for me and apparently super gross for Sam which made me laugh. As long as he doesn't pass out during the actual thing....

31 weeks

2011-11-01T16:43:00.002-06:00

I feel like my face is getting fatter. The last two pictures I have this weird squinty eye thing going on but I'm not actually squinting. I think my cheeks are taking over. Ah well.

The kicking is starting to get just slightly painful meaning baby is getting strong, hooray! Also he likes to brace himself against my spine and thrust his various body parts forward. This makes for lots of fun for Sam and me to feel his little foot or knee or bum but it does cause me some weird tingling.

So technically he could come in six weeks! Let's go with that, shall we?

Happy Halloween yesterday to everyone. We did nothing. Next year, however, I'm pretty sure there will be a baby dressed as Yoda that will be shown off in as many places as possible.

29 weeks

2011-10-17T17:25:00.000-06:00

So 29 weeks also marks the third anniversary of our engagement, which happened on this very bridge. And now there's a baby. How romantic. We went up the canyon this weekend to commemorate the occasion, as we do every year (examples here and here). For fun, shall we see a picture of us from each time?

The proposal:

Year One:

Year Two:

And Year Three:

Ah what a beautiful journey.

Speaking of beautiful journeys, the October mountains never disappoint and this year was no exception.

In baby news, we have discovered that our son is super territorial. Anytime anything seems to encroach in his space (Sam's arm, my arm, my organs, the table edge, even the doctor's heartbeat sensor thing) gets kicked. Hard. It's hilarious how much he doesn't want to give up any space. Love it.

27 weeks

2011-10-05T20:57:00.000-06:00

Well the third trimester is here, finally. With it have come ever increasing levels of discomfort and exhaustion, hooray! I can't complain really, though, because overall pregnancy has been quite easy. And I'm so excited to be technically only 10 weeks from full term. Not being comfortable is a small price to pay for the darling baby hiccups I get to feel and soon see in real life.

So Conference was awesome this time, huh? As usual. Predictably, my favorite talk was Elder Anderson's, particularly when he said "Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for."

I can't wait.

25 weeks

2011-09-18T19:34:00.000-06:00

25 weeks marks the end of being able to see my feet while standing. It also marks the end of painting my own toenails, and shortly (I suspect) being able to shave my legs in the shower. Sam has agreed to take over these duties in the near future which should be extremely entertaining. I've already had him bending over to get things for me that are near the floor. It's pretty sweet.

I have nicknamed this boy Kicky. He seriously kicks all. day. long. Strongly. Which is awesome. I'm curious if he is a particularly active child or if this is normal for all babies? I'm not sure how to tell before having another child. We can see him moving across my stomach now, which is enormously hilarious but only to us, I would imagine.

Speaking of my stomach, ohhhhhh stretch marks. They have arrived. I tried to beat the genetics (thank you, Mom) by slathering pure shea butter on every day like certain bloggers have recommended. I drank tons of water every day, I ate relatively healthily. No dice. I have become reconciled to my fate, with some sadness, but nothing to do but embrace it. Still, I should have believed my doctor when she said there was nothing that can be done to prevent it. Then I wouldn't have gotten my hopes up. Ah well. Sam insists they're cute. We'll see how cute they are when there's not a baby underneath them.

23 weeks

2011-09-06T21:21:00.002-06:00

So what a couple of weeks! Sam went out of town on a backpacking trip with his dad and somehow I cried at the drop of a hat while he was gone. He's been out of town without me before but this time the hormones had their way with me and I thought I was going to die without him, apparently. He had fun though, which I'm so glad about. Next time he goes will just have to be when I'm not pregnant.

Also we have had the introduction of heartburn! Hooray! I've actually never had heartburn before so it took me awhile to realize what was going on. Also my heartburn feels like my esophagus is uncomfortably full of ice water, which is not exactly what I had heard about the condition. Still, tums help so that's cool.

I finally gained some weight! At my 14 and 18 week appointments, I had lost weight, which is probably not what is supposed to happen during pregnancy. But finally, last week, I have gained 6 pounds! I'm so proud!

I'm trying to think of something to report that isn't baby related and I'm coming up with nothing.... I imagine this will be a familiar feeling in the coming years.

21 weeks

2011-08-24T08:39:00.000-06:00

As you can see, we spent a little time on the beach recently. We traveled to Portland with my parents and siblings for my cousin's wedding and while we were there, headed west to the coast. It was gorgeous and since I forgot to get a regular "belly shot," you get this much prettier picture of my lover and me that kind of shows off the bump anyway.

And this one, of my most eligible brother and me. And the bouncing baby boy, who is certainly bouncing lately! Kicks galore. Sam has finally felt them and he was so ecstatic and proud, it made me cry (but most things make me cry nowadays. Ah hormones).

it's a...

2011-08-15T16:49:00.000-06:00

Boy!!!

And he is the cutest, darlingest little boy I've ever seen. I'm madly in love already.

19 weeks

2011-08-12T11:56:00.000-06:00

Remember this guy? He came home last weekend and it was awesome. He looks so old. And really good. And he's quite eligible. He'll be snatched up in no time. Also, I never wrote about it because I'm such a lazy blogger now, but my next brother (number three) is also on a mission now. He is in the MTC learning Russian, to head out to the Vladivostok mission in just a few weeks. If you recall, my first brother also went to Russia. Pretty cool. I do miss him although I probably won't write a sappy post about it.

Also, the baby moves all the time now. We're still waiting for it to be strong enough for Sam to be able to feel it too. Our ultrasound got moved to this Monday, so three more days!!!

17 weeks

2011-07-28T16:38:00.000-06:00

Dress: Forever 21

Cardigan: Forever 21

Belt: Shade

Boots: Target

I think I felt the baby move for the first time. It felt somewhat like a cross between faint "popcorn popping" as I have read, gas bubbles but in the wrong spot, and like I could feel my pulse in my uterus, except it wasn't regular so it wasn't my pulse... I can't wait to feel an actual kick.

We went camping this weekend which was awesome except for how terribly one sleeps while camping. All part of the experience, though. We went with my brother and sister-in-law and it was so fun. We ate hot dogs and played poker with Starburst and of course roasted marshmallows and made smores. We also got a flat tire from driving over a nail but luckily it was a free fix.

Countdown to gender reveal: 20 days!!!

birthday celebration

2011-07-20T10:30:00.002-06:00

Do you recall this post I wrote about rainbow themes, particularly for parties? Well, husband remembered and this is what I came home to on my birthday:

Do you or do you not think he is the cutest ever for spending all day making that banner and those pom-poms? Well, I do. And you know what else? The pom-poms will be perfect in baby's room! Score! And those bottles! I love them!

The presents, once they were removed from their glorious rainbow tissue wrappings:

Why yes, that is a disco ball. And a pregnancy pillow (divine), chalkboard paint, and dry shampoo (that Sam made himself and put in a pretty little bottle because I asked for dry shampoo for my birthday, okay).

(By the way, Ash, Sam said he used a recipe from some blog he doesn't remember but he said he noticed you had commented on the post. So if you remember that recipe, I say make it because it works marvelously. Also feel free to tell me what blog it came from so I can make more later.)

And, to relieve the suspense, the giant tube was:

Also totally going in baby's room. What a birthday! I love that man to death.

15 weeks

2011-07-13T12:00:00.000-06:00

Maternity shirt: Burlington Coat Factory

Maternity jeans: Old Navy

Shoes: Ross

I don't think I ever said thank you for your sweet comments on the last few posts, which probably makes me a bad person. But I thought thank you over and over. So now I will say it. Thank you all you sweet people!

Sam and I tackled the baby's room on Saturday. It still looks nothing like a baby's room (still a crib not put together, a bunch of books, and now a giant pack of diaper wipes sitting on the floor) but it is emptied of everything that will not be staying there through baby's tenancy. I feel so much better about life now.

We had another doctor's appointment and we scheduled our ultrasound appointment to find out the gender! August 17th. Five weeks away. We are both 99% positive it's a boy (which of course means it will be a girl). We've been calling it Chester since we found out we were pregnant. This may have contributed to my giving in to Sam's assurances that it is a boy. Poor little girl that we call Chester. Who is four inches long now. Huge.

In not baby news, I called the cops on this guy standing in the middle of our parking space when I came home one evening who was absolutely stoned out of his mind. He had no idea what was going on around him at all. This was interesting to me because I don't think I've ever seen a stoned person up close like that before. He was barely keeping himself standing upright. Why some people think drugs are fun, I will never know.

So it's my birthday next week (the big 25) and Sam has been hiding mysterious packages under his nightstand for some time now. This morning a long tube shaped package arrived. I've been able to ignore bags and boxes because anything could be in there so I can easily ignore them. But this tube shaped package! What in the world could it be?!? This may be making me even more curious than the unknown gender of my child.

13 weeks

2011-06-28T07:00:00.002-06:00

Top: Forever 21

Skirt: Forever 21

Necklace: DIY

Sandals: Forever 21

The second trimester! Hooray for being 1/3 of the way done! I gave in and went shopping for maternity clothes this weekend (not that I'm wearing any above). My jeans were just not working anymore. However, maternity pants are so extremely comfortable I may never go back to regular ones again. Even if they are kind of ugly.

I think I might finally be pulling out of the morning sickness which is awesome. I never threw up the whole first trimester but I could count on feeling nauseated pretty much every day for most of the day. That's fine, the fact that I never threw up is worth any amount of sick feeling. I hate the act of vomiting more than anything in the world so I feel extremely lucky.

So far for the baby, we have purchased a crib sans mattress. That is it. My mother-in-law gave us a bag of children's books so there's that. Right now the crib and the bag of books are sitting on the floor of what will hopefully become the baby's bedroom. There will have to be some major reorganizational efforts to make room in there first, though. This is why we have not purchased baby things, I think. There is nowhere to put it.

In other news since I've been on hiatus, I got in a car accident that totaled our one and only car. I was fine, but the car is gone. Sam's parents gave us their old minivan, which was extremely generous of them. We are using the check from our old car to buoy up our sadly lacking savings and will be driving around a minivan for the next few years. I suppose it is fitting. Also from this situation, we learned that writing a complaint letter to an insurance company produces awesome results, we spent our first nights apart since getting married (as he flew to California to pick up the van), and we discovered that an entire colony of ants can and will live peacefully in a car that is not driven for awhile and upon disturbance, will relocate the entire colony from the engine area to the backseat with no trouble whatsoever. It was gross, but luckily pregnant women should not be exposed to bug killing spray so Sam had the job of fumigating the car. A good man, he is.

the story behind the story

2011-06-17T09:00:00.008-06:00

Before we had this exciting news to share, there was something of a journey, one that changed who I am. I've been considering writing about this journey for months now, even before there was a happy end result, because if I can help one person who might read this and need to hear it, that would be worth it. Knowing someone else knew how I felt always made me feel less alone, less angry, and more hopeful. My grandpa whispered to me just last week that only those who have been there can know how it feels so hopefully someone reading this can know that I know how it feels and that it gets better, no matter how long it takes.

We decided, with lots of prayer (which really made us feel that it wasn't us that was deciding, but that a higher plan was in place), that it was time to have a baby. That was the weekend of our anniversary, January 3rd, 2010. More than a year ago (coincidentally, exactly two years before Baby's due date). We stopped the birth control, started counting days, etc. etc. And then, there was nothing. Months of nothing. No positive pregnancy test, no period. I was obviously not ovulating. This wasn't a huge surprise, as I had never been what one would call regular. Still, The Year of No Periods was quite long, even for me. I had always heard you shouldn't go to the doctor until you've been trying for a year with no results. My mom especially encouraged me to ignore this rule as she had had very similar issues getting pregnant with all six of her kids. I've heard my whole life about the struggle she had to get pregnant with me, her first, and how terribly devastating it was (and how much she learned from it). She was right. IGNORE THIS RULE! If you KNOW something is wrong, who cares how long you've been trying? Find a doctor. Do something to help. Lesson #1.

I finally went to my regular practitioner in July of 2010 for my regular yearly woman's exam. While there, I hesitantly mentioned that we had been trying for several months (seven!) to get pregnant with no results. He asked me some questions and gave me a diagnosis without even needing a test. PCOS. Ok, sounds good. And likely. What now? He prescribed metformin, which is actually for diabetes patients but somehow has the side effect of regulating your levels of estrogen and testosterone (hopefully producing ovulation). I took that for oh, four months? Still nothing. I hadn't had much confidence in metformin, mostly because I knew Clomid was the medication my mom had used for all her pregnancies and because she was still urging me to see an OB/GYN and at least get tested to make sure everything else was ok. Not that metformin was bad, or wouldn't have worked for someone else. But trust your instincts. And your mother. Lesson #2.

In the meantime, even though to some people a year isn't very long, it was forever to me. I was alternately experiencing moments of sadness, anger, doubt, hopelessness, resignation, hopefulness, faith, peace, excitement, etc. Depending on the day, I was crying in my car or cheerfully updating a friend with "no baby, but oh well!" On bad days seeing a baby made me ache. Hearing about other people getting pregnant made me ache. I had imagined the experience of a positive test, of telling our families, of feeling a baby kick, of holding my child a million times and they felt like they were total fantasy. Never to be experienced in real life. I had wonderful support, though. A close family member was also experiencing trouble having a baby in the form of multiple miscarriages and she and I could understand one another's heartache. We could encourage each other not to give up. To trust in the Lord and in His timing. It was a great deal of comfort to me, and to her (she is pregnant now, too, by the way). Sam was wonderful. He felt it just as much as I did, but we have always had the great ability of trading off days when we are strong. When I was down, he was strong, and when he had doubts, I was there to tell him it would work out. And of course, my mom knew exactly how I felt and let me cry to her a hundred times. If you let them, trials will strengthen your relationships with the people that matter, to the point that it is worth it. Lesson #3.

We finally went to an OB/GYN in November 2010, took a bunch of tests that confirmed I was not ovulating on my own and were prescribed Clomid. The testing took a couple of months because they had to be done by monthly cycle. We had our first cycle of Clomid in March of 2011. In April 2011, our second cycle, it worked. There was a positive pregnancy test. And weeks of sickness. And an ultrasound that might have been the most beautiful experience of my life so far. And here we are, just about out of the first trimester. Something I had almost believed would never happen. But it did.

I understand that this experience of mine was a cake-walk compared to other women's infertility. My heart is full for them. Not being a mother when you want to be a mother is hard, no matter how long it has been. And yet I might never have learned the soul-altering things I did, things I will need to be a mother, without the pain I felt every day for 16 months. There is a God and He loves us and He has a plan for us. Regardless of how that plan differs from our expectations or from those around us, it is exactly right for us. Lesson #4, the most important one, is that I am a daughter of a Heavenly Father and He will never, ever leave me alone.

guess whaaaaaat.....

2011-06-14T13:35:00.000-06:00

WHA-BAM! Yep, that's a baby. Due January 3rd, which is exactly 29 weeks from today, or if you're asking me, forever.

P.S. Even though at 11 weeks I'm bigger than my sister-in-law at 22 weeks, it is not twins, we already had an ultrasound to check. I will obviously be giant size by January.

shabby apple necklace winner!

2011-06-07T13:29:00.000-06:00

It's time to announce the winner of our Shabby Apple necklace giveaway! Thanks to everybody for reading and everyone who participated! The lucky winner is...

Bani who said "I would love to win this piece. I love all of their dresses and own just one."

Congrats Bani! I have sent an email to the address you have listed on your blogger profile. Please respond in the next two days with your shipping address and Shabby Apple will get that out to you!

Thanks for playing everyone! And thanks to Shabby Apple for the great giveaway!

shabby apple giveaway!

2011-05-31T12:11:00.000-06:00

So I thought I'd come back to visit for a moment (thank you to sweet commenters who said they would miss me! That made my day. And I will be back, no worries). And actually, while I don't plan on posting regularly again for a little bit longer, I did want to pop in and offer you guys a giveaway from Shabby Apple. You know, the Shabby Apple that sells gorgeous women's dresses (that are modest!)? That one? Yeah. I know. They contacted me a couple weeks ago to ask if I would be interested in giving away a piece of their jewelry on my blog and even though it was right after I had said I was going on hiatus, I was super excited and totally willing even though I don't actually ever get my hands on anything from Shabby Apple, just the winner does. By the way, Shabby Apple, if you're reading this, I'm all for reviewing a dress or two or ten on this blog if you want to send me one... like this red one:

Or this blue one:

Or even this black swimsuit:

Yep totally willing. Just saying.

Anyway, moving on. Here is what we're giving away! This lovely pink floral cameo necklace called The Queen's Rose:

Pretty huh (remind anyone else of some cameo earrings)? Just leave a comment and make sure your email is either in the comment, or attached to your blogger profile. For an extra entry, you can like Shabby Apple on Facebook. They have deals and discounts going on for Facebook fans all the time. Just leave another comment that says you liked them. The giveaway will close on June 6 at midnight, MST. I will announce the winner on June 7th. Open to US residents, only, by the way. Sorry to any international readers (which I'm pretty sure is only my sister-in-law in Tunisia. Sorry Sarah. Their rules, not mine).

Also! As as a bonus! Shabby Apple is offering you guys 10% off for 30 days on anything in the store using the code paintingtheair10off. So that's nice!

Good luck! I hope you win!

on hiatus

2011-05-17T09:55:00.000-06:00

My friends, I'm going to be taking a little break from blogging. I will definitely be back but not for a little while. I've got a lot going on in real life lately and I've been wanting to try not blogging just to see how it goes. Thanks for reading. Hopefully you'll stick around but if not, it's been fun!

random photo: another one

2011-05-11T07:00:00.001-06:00

Apparently people I know are just popping out baby girls because I just made another one of these. This is my favorite so far, and not only because I didn't make Sam frustrated with my inability to thread a needle. This floral fabric is the same as the shirt I made myself (worn here) that is way too tight in the sleeves but is so cheerful and springy that I still wear it. Lucky for the baby, I think this onesie will be quite comfortable.

design style

2011-05-09T07:00:00.001-06:00

I have finally found a name for the interior design style I like, thanks to this quiz.....

Vintage Modern!!!!

Hello, juxtaposition of words! This is why I've been confused thus far. How can one love vintage and mid-century modern so much? It has all been explained to me and I'm quite happy and content. Now to have Sam take the quiz and see if we have anything in common style-wise (doubtful).

Take the quiz and let me know what style you are!

fashion friday: spring

2011-05-06T07:00:00.001-06:00

Sunglasses: Target

Shirt: Old Navy

Pants: Forever 21

Belt: Shade

Shoes: Ross

Sam and I have been going on walks pretty much every evening after I come home from work now that the weather has finally been nice. We just go around our neighborhood which is filled with big trees, flowers, and old houses. It's gorgeous. I'm so happy it's finally acting like spring. We have about two weeks until it gets unbearably hot and I insist I want to move to Canada. When that happens, let's all ignore how much I complained about the snow, ok?

random photo: vintage trim

2011-05-04T07:00:00.001-06:00

I found this gorgeous vintage ric rac recently in a bag of ribbons and trims that I got for fifty cents at a thrift store in California more than a year ago. I had no idea it was there and when I found it, I may have crowed in delight. Now I have to figure out the perfect project.

spanish class

2011-05-02T07:00:00.001-06:00

Husband on his mission in Puerto Rico

So in our new ward, we have been called to be ward missionaries. The main job we have is to help with the English classes held three times a week in our church building for anyone who wants to come. We teach beginning to intermediate English to Spanish speakers. When I say we teach, I mean Sam teaches and I concentrate very hard on trying to follow what is going on. I'm a little bit ashamed to admit I took four years of Spanish in middle and high school and then a semester of it in college, as well as spent six weeks in El Salvador and I still can't speak anything but present tense and with a terrible accent (although I do understand at least half of what everyone is saying around me). Husband, on the other hand, speaks fluently from his mission. He's been keeping it up for the most part, taking classes in college, and even using it for various jobs. He thinks he messes up all the time but I think he sounds perfect. And sexy. Anyway, he's been giving me some very rudimentary lessons and he's the cutest teacher I've ever had. I think I would have paid much more attention in high school had this been the arrangement.

fashion friday: zumba time

2011-04-29T07:00:00.000-06:00

Shirt: Forever 21

Skirt: Shade

Tights: Forever 21

Shoes: Forever Young

I've been going to a Zumba class for the last few weeks with some friends because exercise is good but also because I think it's absolutely hilarious. I have zero dance ability and all I can think when I'm there is that Sam would laugh so hard if he could see me. There is lots of hip and butt shaking and I never really figured out which muscles would do that. Also the class is an hour and I get super tired by halfway through and then I look like I'm trying to dance in mud. The instructor just keeps going and going like I'm not about to drop dead. Plus she leaves her hair down and whips it around a lot. Doesn't she get sweaty? I don't understand it. The best part, though, is the middle aged Hispanic lady who is always in front of us. The woman knows all the moves and can do them as well as or better than the instructor. Plus she gives us dirty looks when we're bad, which is always. It's awesome.

random photo: embroidered onesie

2011-04-27T07:00:00.000-06:00

I went to a baby shower on Saturday and since we're poor and since I already had a pack of onesies and thread and needles on hand from when I made this before, I made another one to give away. I remembered late the night before that I needed to do this and I was exhausted but I plopped down on the couch next to Sam to sew away. For some reason, I was remembering (incorrectly) that I used embroidery thread and I could not get the embroidery thread to go in my needle because it's so much thicker than regular thread. I asked Sam for help and he literally spent 20 minutes shredding piece after piece of embroidery thread trying to get it in the needle. And right as he finally got it, I remembered that I should be using regular thread all along. Whoops.

another wedding

2011-04-25T07:00:00.002-06:00

My grandpa got married this weekend. It is quite a unique experience to attend your own grandfather's wedding. A good experience, though. He is happy and I'm so happy for him. Both my grandpa and his new wife were married for a long time to spouses who are now passed on. The four of them were friends all their married lives. And now the two that are left are companions for one another and able to remember and honor each others' original spouses. God's plan for us really is beautiful. The way this marriage has come about is really quite touching and His hand can be seen all through it. I am so glad that I know two things: one, that my grandpa will be with my grandma again someday and two, that God wants each of us to be happy even in this life, including my grandpa and his new wife. It was beautiful this weekend.

Besides, it was hilarious to watch old people act like nervous young newlyweds.

happy easter

2011-04-24T13:35:00.000-06:00

fashion friday: wedding plans

2011-04-22T07:00:00.001-06:00

Shirt: Forever 21

Belt: thrifted

Pants: Forever 21

Shoes: Forever 21

Last weekend I went to a bridal fair with my recently engaged sister-in-law. I was doling out wise advice and generally acting world-weary the whole time, whilst nibbling at sample cupcakes and sipping italian sodas. I love weddings but I am so glad that mine is over. Planning a wedding is nothing but fun as long as it's not your own. I loved being able to ooh and aah at the pretty things at the bridal fair without having to answer any of the vendors' questions as I was not the bride. There was no trying to please everyone or worrying about time constraints or budgets or the groom getting cold feet and ditching at the last minute... Not that anything like that happened at mine, but I'm still glad Sam is already stuck with me and there's nothing he can do about it.

I think that perhaps I should enter one of those contests where they give away a $50k wedding and then I'll just plan a giant party that I'll call my "wedding." I'll wear a new dress and have cake and flowers and Sam and I will kiss in front of all our loved ones and I'll have all the fun of another wedding without any of the stress or the bother of getting a new groom. Because I like the one I have, you know.

random photo: rainbow

2011-04-20T07:00:00.006-06:00

Besides ship paintings, I am loving rainbow themes. I've found some great rainbow things via Pinterest (which is totally addictive. You should join and follow me, especially now that I'm done dumping all the inspiration I had previously starred in Google Reader on there. I will be less annoying now, promise). To fuel my love, I recently was given this rainbow afghan my grandmother crocheted many years ago.

So yeah, I think I need to have a rainbow party, asap.

And, of course:

Sources for all pictures except the afghan (in order from top to bottom):With Style + Grace, Project Wedding, Bottles and Flags, Quick Dish, Velvet Cream Bakery, Full House, Hip Hip Hooray, Rue Magazine, Oh Happy Day, Oh Happy Day, Whisk Kid

lead kindly light

2011-04-18T06:00:00.003-06:00

My brother Jake who is on his mission in Estonia right now sent this audio clip to my mom for her birthday. It is a duet of him and his companion singing Lead, Kindly Light. Boy's got some talent. He's the second one to come in and he sings the harmony for most of it.

Click here for the song: Lead, Kindly Light

fashion friday: pleated skirt take 2

2011-04-15T07:00:00.001-06:00

Sweater: Target

Skirt: thrifted

Shoes: Nomorerack.com

You can just assume I wore this skirt every day for the last week and you may or may not be right.

So there's this dip/salad thing that my mom makes that I've been craving a lot lately and have made twice in two weeks. I have decided to share this goodness with you so you can crave it all the time too:

Ingredients:

1 can corn

1 can black beans

2-3 avocados

1-2 roma tomatoes

1 packet italian salad dressing mix

3 tbs. sugar

tortilla chips

Directions:

Dice the avocados and tomatoes and put into a medium bowl

Drain and rinse the corn and beans and add to the avocados and tomatoes

Mix the Italian dressing in a separate bowl according to the directions on the packet

Add sugar to the dressing, pour over other ingredients

Serve with tortilla chips

random photo: new table

2011-04-13T07:00:00.001-06:00

We got a new dining table given to us a few weeks ago. Someone gave it to my parents and they gave it to us since they didn't need it. This was a very exciting point in our lives since our old table (seen here) was only big enough to hold four plates and nothing else. Having more than two people over for dinner was pretty impossible and even when we had only two, we had to do it buffet style and serve ourselves from the kitchen. This six person table with lots of space (plus an extra leaf!) makes us feel like real grown-ups. It was pretty scratched up but we put some Howard's Restor-a-Finish on it and it's good as new.

more reasons

2011-04-11T07:00:00.001-06:00

More things I love about Sam:

-When I accidentally cut his hair a little too short while performing my first hair cut with scissors, he doesn't get mad but happily clips it all that same length.

-He very seriously tells me that he has realized that Han Solo may be the only person who has shot directly at Darth Vader and lived. He then proceeds to tell me exactly when Han Solo shot at Darth Vader.

-He takes me on walks around the neighborhood and discusses the pros and cons of each house.

-He smells amazing all the time.

-He offers to clean the entire house and all I have to do is take the car to the shop, which entails sitting in a chair and reading. Even when they didn't have the parts and he has to go back while I'm at work, he still cleans the whole house.

-He hums a random melody to himself while cooking but has no idea what song or that he is even doing it when I point it out.

fashion friday: car issues resolved

2011-04-08T07:00:00.002-06:00

Shirt: Old Navy

Belt: Shade Clothing

Skirt: thrifted

Shoes: Payless

As promised, I am back. I got this skirt last weekend at D.I. with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law, just in time for pleats to be in for spring. Awesome. Also just in time for my white legs to come out in public again, which is not as awesome, but what can you do. Besides all the things you can do to be tanner.

Anyway, our car is fixed now. And its breaking motivated me to actually call and see if our brakes are still under warranty since they've been grinding for awhile but we were too poor to get them fixed. But since we were spending hundreds to make the car turn on at all, we figured we'd fix the brakes while we were at it. Turns out they're still under warranty so we could have gotten them fixed for free a long time ago. Ah the things you learn.

random photo: high school musical

2011-04-06T07:00:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was a super crappy day at work and then my car wouldn't start when I tried to leave. So you'll excuse me if I only leave you with this picture of Vanessa Hudgens that oddly looks like Zac Efron in a wig.

photo via airport outfits via just jared

general conference

2011-04-04T07:00:00.002-06:00

This last weekend was General Conference, which is when the prophet and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints speak to the members of the church and to the world. Sam's parents came in to town and stayed with us. We watched all the sessions in our living room and they were amazing. I am so thankful for prophets. I wanted to share one of the talks that touched me deeply. I promise it is worth the time to watch it, especially if you have ever or are currently experiencing heartbreak. So basically it's for everyone.

fashion friday: not me

2011-04-01T07:00:00.005-06:00

It was kind of a weird week for me and somehow I never got around to taking outfit pictures. Or even wearing anything worthy of pictures, but whatever. How about instead I show you other people's outfits I like?

Sydney from the Daybook

Ramsey from Love, Ramsey

Elaine from Clothed Much

Kendi from Kendi Everyday

So really, if you came to the blog today expecting to see my outfit, April Fools! I promise to be back next week.

random photo: ships

2011-03-30T07:00:00.000-06:00

I've been really into ship paintings lately.

This one might be the winner:

Sources (in order from top to bottom): Hialoakapua, Galen Frysinger, Karen's Whimsy, US History Images, P. Gerard Mazzei Art & Antiques Co., Clip Art Space, Lisa Congdon, Dan Bob Thompson

a song

2011-03-28T07:00:00.002-06:00

My new favorite song for your Monday morning.

fashion friday: changes in sleep

2011-03-25T07:00:00.010-06:00

Lace shrug: Forever 21

Shirt: Forever 21

Flower pin: made by me

Skirt: Marshall's

Shoes: Nomorerack.com

So my lover has been sleeping on the couch sometimes lately because he's darling and he snores. The snoring is not what makes him darling but the willingness to sleep on the couch is. This is a recent development in our life together (the snoring) and sometimes it makes me very very tired. Not on couch sleeping nights though! I need to get some ear plugs so husband doesn't have to spend the rest of his life on the couch. Plus I miss him. One night I had a nightmare and had to go get him to come back in and cuddle me. Is the double standard as obvious to you as it is to me? Just so you know, though, the couch sleeping was all his own idea and I told him he is perfectly welcome to stay in the bed if he wants to. Anyway so does anyone have any recommendations of good earplugs? So far I've heard to get orange ones, not purple ones. Anything else I should know?

Don't forget to enter the giveaway from my etsy shop! You have until Monday.

random photo: the wedding

2011-03-23T07:00:00.008-06:00

As promised, here are some pictures from my brother's wedding last week:

It was super super windy which explains all the 80's hair. This is my family, by the way, minus my brother on a mission..

Their reception was in a green house and it was awesome.

My vintage blue heels that I love but wanted to throw away by the end of the night of standing around in them.

P.S. There is a giveaway from my etsy shop going on over at A Day in the Life Too so go check it out and maybe win!

the video

2011-03-21T06:00:00.003-06:00

Remember when I said I was making a wedding video for my brother and his fiancee (now wife)? They got married last week and it was beautiful and I took lots of pictures and I will share some with you later this week. In the meantime, here is the finished video they showed at the reception.

Ryan and Heidi from painting the air on Vimeo.

fashion friday: marketing

2011-03-18T07:00:00.000-06:00

Blazer: Kohl's

Shirt: made by me

Belt: Shade

Jeans: Forever 21

Shoes: Forever 21

I've been wondering about something for awhile now and I wanted to see if Salisbury Homes' billboard slogans appeal to anyone. They drive me crazy. Let me tell you what I mean:

"Utah was named the most fiscally fit state in the nation. Let's all celebrate by buying a new Salisbury Home!" What makes something fiscally fit is not spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in celebration of some random award. Plus I think it means the Utah government anyway which has nothing to do with Utah residents' fiscal status and they are the ones buying homes.

"Where are we located? Like pretty much everywhere 'n stuff." Bad grammar in marketing is hardly ever funny and certainly not in this case. What's the point?

"Your new home just called. You paid too much." This makes no sense. If you have a new home already, even if you paid too much, you're not going to buy a different one. If they mean your new Salisbury home called, then they're saying their own homes cost too much.

Do you agree? Or do you see redeeming qualities that I'm missing?

random photo: march madness

2011-03-16T16:07:00.000-06:00

In honor of March Madness starting this week, this is the bracket that was the best I've ever done and most likely the best I ever will. I won my work pool (of over 50 people) and I should have put money on it and made my fortune.

embracing the crazy

2011-03-14T06:00:00.001-06:00

Remember when I said I didn't get embarrassed? Well, lately there have been times when I probably should have. Yesterday at church Sam and I walked into Sunday School before anyone else and while we waited for other people to come, I suggested rather loudly that we make out as long as we were alone. And of course, some woman had come in already without my noticing and was sitting directly behind me when I said this. Sam laughed uncontrollably for at least five minutes. I have realized that before I got married, I thought rather highly of myself and my abilities to be cool and capable in whatever situation I was in. Marriage, however, has made me humble. I think it's because I've become totally comfortable being myself. I've let the crazy all come out. I make a fool of myself rather frequently now, but it's totally worth it, the trade-off being that I'm completely accepted and even loved for all the crazy. I was reading some old Google Chat conversations between Sam and me from right before we started dating and I'm so glad I don't have to hide so much of myself anymore. The game of "does he like me/does he not" is not even close to being as fun as unconditional love. So next time I embarrass myself, I'll be grateful that the atmosphere of acceptance I live in has conditioned me to be myself, ridiculous or not.

fashion friday: library excitement

2011-03-11T07:00:00.002-07:00

Vest: thrifted

Tee: Forever 21

Necklace: Forever 21

Jeans: Charlotte Russe

Shoes: Forever 21

Moving to a new town means a new library card and a new library to explore. We were really excited to do those things because as I've mentioned before, we're huge nerds. We've decided our new library is not nearly as impressive as our old one, with much less selection which is a little bit depressing. On the other hand, it does have new books right on the shelves for which I was planning on being on wait lists for weeks at the old one. And it has a sweet navy blue globe I want to steal for my collection.

So. Obviously it is a very important debate we are engaged in over here.

random photo: kings

2011-03-09T07:00:00.001-07:00

We made some more freezer paper stencil shirts for the Sacramento Kings game we attended this weekend. Unfortunately, the Kings lost in overtime which made for a very sad husband indeed. Next Valentine's I hope I can give him a Kings win instead.

the apartment: kitchen, dining, and living room

2011-03-07T06:00:00.002-07:00

Our apartment is one long rectangle, with one long half split up into bedrooms and bathroom and the other half split into kitchen and living/dining. Here is the second half of the rectangle.

The front door/entry:

Do you love this sweet brass light fixture? Someday I hope to spray paint it black, but I'm debating whether I'm going to ask for permission first or forgiveness after.

The dining room:

My collection of bottles and vases.

The kitchen:

We actually love our small galley kitchen. It is so much more efficient than our old one. Every bit of space can be used in this kitchen and it's so much easier to keep the floor clean.

The frame actually functions as a whiteboard for messages.

That is Sam's collection of bottles.

And finally, the living room:

Someday I want a coffee table that is a statement piece and can stand alone with nothing on it. But for now, we have two Ikea side tables that function as a laptop desk.

And there you have it. I'm considering this my housewarming party.

fashion friday: wherefore art thou spring?

2011-03-04T07:00:00.002-07:00

Lace shrug: Forever 21

Dress: Shade

Tights: Target

Boots: Target

I've stopped wearing a coat when I go outside, even if it's snowing. Last week I wore a short sleeve shirt and espadrilles in the middle of a small blizzard. WHY IS IT NOT SPRING?

And that is all I can think of to write today. The endless winter sucks away my inspiration.

random photo: some gushing

2011-03-02T07:00:00.014-07:00

This is my brother Ryan and his beautiful fiancee Heidi, whom I adore. They're getting married in a couple of weeks and I'm so so excited for them. I put this picture up today because I just wanted to mention how much I love my family. All members of it. I love my parents, I love my siblings, I love my brother's fiancee, I love my husband (in case you couldn't tell by now), I love my husband's parents, I love my husband's siblings and their spouses, I love my one niece and my one nephew. With no reservations whatsoever, I say I love and adore my family, through blood and marriage. I think that might be kind of rare, based on what I've heard around town. I got to spend time with a bunch of different family members last weekend and it just reminded me how completely blessed I am to be so attached to all the people in my family. So anyway, thanks for joining up, Heidi! You're welcome with open arms.

P.S. Sam informed Ryan that he was "smoldering" in this picture.

the apartment: master and guest bedrooms

2011-02-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I kind of took a week off last week, didn't I? I hope no one was worried. It wasn't really planned, but it was a nice break. We had family staying with us this last week (Sam's brother and his wife) and it was so fun to relax and hang out with them. Still, as a reward for your patience with my impromptu absence, here is the first round of decorating our new apartment. It will absolutely change, but for now, this is it. I had to finally get around to getting it all set up since we were having guests. I do like it, but someday when we have a little extra cash, I might do some painting and maybe get some curtains and refinish a couple of pieces of furniture. Still, it is perfectly fine for now.

Today I'll show you the guest bedroom/office, bathroom, and master bedroom.

The guest bedroom/office:

This desk is where I plan to do my sewing and crafting. You can see that I have more supplies stuffed under the desk than will fit in my Rubbermaid drawers. Time for another one, I think. I also need to get a chair to go in here so I can actually sit and work without dragging in a dining chair. We also put an air mattress in here on the floor when we have guests, or at least the one time we have had guests so far (seriously, we're like a five star hotel).

All the things for sale in my Etsy shop.

And now the bathroom:

So much more counter space than we had before! We can both get ready at the same time.

And finally, on to the master bedroom (my favorite):

I love how in between shots, one of the lights burned out! These shots were only 10 seconds apart. I didn't notice until now.

This dresser is the one piece that belongs only to the new apartment. I got it from ksl right before we moved. I need to refinish it but I love the lines of it and it is still in pretty good shape construction-wise.

Well there you have it! The first half of our apartment in its first round look. I hope you like it. I do.

fashion friday: help

2011-02-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

Jacket: Forever21

Dress: Forever21

Belt: thrifted

Boots: Target

This is my version of this outfit with this hair, but enough about that.

Guys. Somehow I've represented myself as a videographer to my brother and his fiancee but really I've never tried to make a film in my life. And yet, I'm making their video to be shown at their reception (you know, baby pictures, which is the easy part, and then their story with footage of them being a couple). I filmed the two of them (with a Flip cam) all last weekend and now I have to edit, which is really where the magic is, right? I am happily surprised that I got some decent shots but if not edited properly it's going to turn out like a cheap homemade movie (which is what it is, obviously, but we're going for something else here). So basically what I'm saying is, I'm trying to teach myself to be a professional quality videographer in only one month.

Pray for me.

P.S. If Ryan and Heidi are reading this, don't worry, it's going great!

random photo: valentine's celebration

2011-02-16T07:00:00.007-07:00

For Valentine's Day, before I left for work, I placed these fruit stickers from Twig and Thistle (you know, the ones every blogger talked about) on pieces of fruit throughout the house, along with some heart-shaped love notes in various places. Sam used all the bananas to make banana muffins over the weekend, so the banana sticker had to go with a muffin.

We met up for lunch at Texas Roadhouse which was great except for the part when while walking to our table, my ankle gave out and I collapsed to the floor on hands and knees. My knees are still sore but luckily my embarrassment has subsided.

When I got home from work, there were homemade paper flowers and Reese's cups (because I had mentioned that a heart-shaped box of chocolates is all well and good but I preferred me some chocolate without so much class). Darling man.

We exchanged gifts (Kings tickets for him, cute bird paper clips and a wire for hanging pictures for me, which I love, by the way. He knows me so well) and had a candlelit dinner of fondue and chocolate lava cake at home. After dinner, we snuggled in bed and watched Phantom of the Opera on the laptop.

Quite a successful Valentine's. And then, the next day I discovered (again) that lover is absolutely the most adorable man in the whole world.

lovers' day

2011-02-14T07:00:00.002-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Love, Us

fashion friday: tired heels

2011-02-11T07:00:00.001-07:00

Top: thrifted

Necklace: Forever 21

Jeans: Forever 21

Shoes: Forever 21

So this is the courtyard outside our front door now. It apparently gives me crazy eyes. I might have to fix that for later.

Do you know what makes me laugh? Almost every time husband tells me he's not tired, he's asleep ten minutes later. I can gauge his level of exhaustion by how vehemently he protests against it. It's adorable.

We went to Target while I was wearing this outfit and searched the entire store for safety pins, which were not to be found. But let me tell you, after a long day in 4 inch heels, trekking all over Target multiple times is NOT the greatest. Luckily husband doesn't mind rubbing my feet, even when he is telling me he's not in the least tired.

random photo: in honor of valentine's day

2011-02-09T07:00:00.001-07:00

This was the fortune in my cookie at a Chinese restaurant we went to on our honeymoon.

I took it to heart.

done.

2011-02-07T07:00:00.002-07:00

This picture has nothing to do with the post. I just like it.

We are moved. All last week I kept looking forward to Sunday, knowing that it would all be over then. I stayed home from work on Friday and we cleaned and packed and packed and cleaned. I got a monstrous headache at the end of the day and of course we had already packed up and moved the Excedrin. But this too shall pass, and now we are totally moved and even unpacked! It all ended with my rubbing Icy Hot on Sam's lower back. A fitting end to a crazy situation, which may have included some sneaking back to the old apartment late at night to see if a phone charger had been dropped and left. The sneaking was necessary because there were some... let's say "negotiations" as to the final deposit/rent amount. I felt like a criminal skulking around the house in the dark, quietly inching down the stairs, and easing open the door. Turns out the charger was in a bathroom cupboard in our new apartment all along. Whatever. It's over.

It took me six or seven hours to unpack everything it had taken both of us two weeks to pack. Why is this? The walls are still a blank canvas and I have a pile of home decor on the floor, but everything useful is put away. I was so inspired by all the organization and (temporary) cleanliness that I even made a chocolate souffle. It's baking, so we'll see if it turns out. Sam did supervise/do half of it so chances are higher. I find myself unable to cook anymore without his input even though it occasionally makes me mad. If you have a chef in your house, why not use him?

Anyway, we love our new apartment. There is so much space and it's so much cleaner and nicer and has higher ceilings and more windows and feels so luxurious. Our new ward is great. We've run the dishwasher like six times already.

(This is where I say, "When God closes a door, somewhere He opens a window.")

fashion friday: how to avoid packing

2011-02-04T07:00:00.035-07:00

Blazer: gift

Necklaces: gift and Walmart

Shirt: Shade

Skirt: Shade

Tights: Old Navy

Shoes: Forever 21

I spent two hours last night (when I should have been packing) adding a picture to each of my contacts on my phone. Does that tell you how sick of this move I am? We'll be completely moved tomorrow but I can already tell it will take me months to unpack. Whatevs. Anyway, I enjoyed the picture-assigning since all of my pictures ever are uploaded to my Google account and therefore my Android phone. So even though it took me two hours and there is still mucho to pack, my family members and friends now have nostalgic pictures attached to their names. Now if only people would call me, I could enjoy their picture AND avoid packing.

I know it's Friday. Pretend it's Rule-Breaking Monday. I wore too many colors in this outfit and that's awesome.

random photo: longing for the beach

2011-02-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

"Lover playing in the waves on our honeymoon in San Diego"

Beach vacation, anyone?

discoveries when moving

2011-01-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

I have found a large pile of various empty wrappers behind our couch. Sam has apparently been storing them there for safe-keeping. He once also tried to store dryer lint in the space between the wall and the dryer until I found it and made him stop. At least the wrappers aren't a fire hazard. They just make me laugh.

Do you know what I can't wait to buy? Dishwasher soap. What a great purchase. I'm considering packing up our dirty dishes and trucking them over to the new place to stick them in the dishwasher. Ew that's gross, I'm totally kidding (I'm totally not).

We have this large space underneath the stairs where we've kept all our boxes in the event of a future move. I've been digging them out and I have found the most random, totally useless pieces of cardboard. An empty frozen pizza box from Costco? What?

When I tell people we have access to a 24 ft box van, they think I am saying a 24 ft box fan. This causes me to wonder if I am really that obviously obsessed with air conditioning.

By the way, the one thing our new apartment is lacking is air conditioning, so if anyone has a 24 ft box fan they want to give us, we'll take it.

fashion friday: what is beauty

2011-01-28T07:00:00.003-07:00

Sweater: Kohl's

Shirt: Old Navy

Belt: Husband's

Jeans: Charlotte Russe

Shoes: Forever 21

I was thinking this week about how Sydney said she wanted the face and hair of the model in the Ruche lookbook. When I read that, I thought, "but I wish I looked like Sydney!" How ridiculous is it that we think that about ourselves? I want to look like Sydney, Sydney wants to look like the Ruche model, and the Ruche model wants to look like me... (I'm sure). But we're all beautiful in our own way. Besides, Sam thinks I'm the sexiest thing he's ever seen. And so I am!

random photo: irene suchocki

2011-01-26T07:00:00.006-07:00

These images blow me away. I've had Irene Suchocki's etsy shop favorited for awhile now because looking at her gorgeous photography is such a treat. It makes me want to travel the world and at the same time, lie around in a hammock looking at a bright blue sky. Beautiful.

(all images via)

blah

2011-01-24T07:00:00.001-07:00

Guys. My creative mind is tired and feeling inadequate. I don't want to write, make anything, or spend one more second thinking about how to decorate our new apartment. So instead of writing a post that's supposed to go up Monday morning, I'm going to close the computer and paint my nails. But not before telling you that we found a new apartment! It's perfect for us and I'm really relieved that it's all taken care of. We will start moving in a week and finish in two. Gotta get packing. Thanks for all your concern, you guys are the best!

fashion friday: wishlist

2011-01-21T07:00:00.001-07:00

Dress: Shade

Vest: Burlington Coat Factory

Necklaces: Forever 21

Belt: thrifted

Tights: Forever 21

Boots: Target

I hope our new apartment has great photo shoot potential. And a dishwasher. And a garbage disposal. And air conditioning. And covered parking.

I dream big.

random photo: el salvador

2011-01-19T07:00:00.001-07:00

I've been rather sentimental lately, looking through all my old photos. I finally uploaded them all to my Google account (therefore preserving them if our computer crashes) and I had easy access to them from my email. I was mostly reminiscing about the six weeks I spent in El Salvador with HELP International almost five years ago.

I did things like play with orphans:

Paint schools:

Build houses:

Celebrate my birthday:

Hold babies:

Hike active volcanoes:

Teach English:

Get super sunburned:

Change my life.

game changer

2011-01-17T07:00:00.022-07:00

On Friday night, I went out to get us some milkshakes.

I came home blithely (milkshakes are good for that). Inside our door was an unsealed envelope addressed to Sam and Krista. I handed Sam his milkshake and opened the card that was inside to read:

Dear Sam and Krista: I apologize and regret to inform you that I'm going to need the apartment for a family member in 30 days. I hope you understand and I again apologize. I tried to help them figure out another way. You've been great renters and I will give you a referral or reference of excellent tenancy with me if you need one. -[our landlord]

Well.

My milkshake was forgotten.

It had honestly never occurred to me that we might be asked to vacate our apartment. I had always liked the idea of our month to month lease, knowing that we could leave whenever we needed to. But asked to leave! Such a thought had never entered my mind. It may not be a big deal to some people, but this is a huge deal to me. I only lived in two different places in college. We've lived in the same place our entire marriage. The "one second all is well, the next second we have to move" thing was weird.

The shock has worn off, to some degree, although a slightly surreal feeling remains. Late at night I start to worry about all that needs to be done in 30 (now 27) scant days. The constant haunting of Craigslist! The endless apartment touring! The savage racing to be first to apply for vacancies! The packing!

Yet, when the morning comes, I remember something the Spirit has taught me so recently it can't be a coincidence. And it is that the Lord provides. Daily. Endlessly. Always. Fear is not acceptable. Faith is imperative.

And so we will move because it is time to do so. When He says "Here," we will go there. Until then, I will not be afraid.

fashion friday: i'm cold

2011-01-14T07:00:00.007-07:00

Today I'm guest posting over at AEJones about transitioning your summer wardrobe to winter! Check it out here!

Hat: Ross

Shirt: Forever 21

Watch and bracelets: Walmart

Jeans: Forever 21

Shoes: Forever 21

This outfit is rather dark and gray, just like the weather for the last three weeks. Below freezing every day! Gross inversion and dirty, icy sidewalks. Welcome to January.

Still, I like it. The outfit, not the weather. I had been feeling too Land's End lately, and I think this switched that up nicely. Not that I mind a good Land's End outfit, but not every day, which tends to happen in the winter. I get out of the shower to freezing air and floors and I put on a bulky sweater with boots. Too often. Therefore, even if my skinny white ankles did freeze in this outfit, it was worth it.

Speaking of freezing floors, our basement apartment floors keep Sam's and my feet always icy icy cold. It's a fight every night when we get in bed to see who can stick their cold feet on the other person's bare back or stomach first. This game is only fun if I win. Sam lets me win a lot, but not every time. Luckily he got me a hot water bottle for Christmas and our sister-in-law Rachel made us each one of those bags filled with beans that you stick in the microwave. Now it's a fight to see who has to go heat those things up and bring them back to bed.

Ah marriage.

random photo: childhood

2011-01-12T07:00:00.002-07:00

I was kind of stuck for a picture for this post but then I was inspired by Kendi's post.

We certainly were good looking back then. Hopefully it combines well someday.

love where you live part 6

2011-01-10T07:00:00.004-07:00

This is part six of my series to help me remember to be happy where I am. Past posts in this series: one (plus an explanation), two, three, four, and five.

Did you miss this?!?! I thought I'd take a break while my Christmas decorations were up, because you know, nothing I would have posted would actually be how my house looked. But now we're back, and this one is my new favorite. The bedroom! My nightstands are my Christmas gift to myself, using the money my grandpa gave me as a gift. So really they are his present to me which is even better. While I was in California at a thrift store, I found both of these tables and picked them up for $12! Together! And they weren't damaged at all. Joy.

The lamps were a wedding gift, the quilt at the foot of the bed and the sheets and pillowcases were a wedding gift, the white comforter we bought at Ross, the alarm clock I bought at Walmart, and the string of cafe lights was a gift from Sam a couple birthdays ago because he knew how much I love cafe lights. The framed picture has all of the tickets to events we attended when we were dating and engaged.

I find our bedroom so peaceful and relaxing now. Especially since, on New Year's Day, in a fit of organization, Sam and I went through all of our financial papers (such a mess) and all of the boxes of his stuff from his childhood, which had previously been stacked against a wall in our bedroom. Now they are gone and I love our bedroom.

fashion friday: miracles

2011-01-07T07:00:00.004-07:00

Cardigan: Target

Shirt: Forever 21

Necklace: gift

Skirt: Charlotte Russe

Tights: American Eagle

Shoes: Forever Young

When we came home from our vacation last Friday, we found our driveway completely frozen over with four inches of ice. Looks like we won't see concrete again until spring. Also it is quite hazardous to walk on it, particularly in heels. I had to cling to Sam's arm every time I tried this week. But now we don't have to shovel the snow for the rest of the winter! Because it's impossible!

Who am I kidding, I never shoveled snow anyway. Thanks, Husband!

So, want to hear about a small miracle that happened to us? We drove home from California last week and though it took a couple of tries to start the car at the beginning of the drive, we made it all the way home with no problems, and then we got to the bottom of our driveway and got stuck in the snow. Sam turned off the car and got out to push while I came around to the driver's seat. I tried to turn the car back on and it wouldn't turn on. I was pretty annoyed at first that this had happened. We only have one car and therefore problems with it are quite inconvenient. But, we called a tow truck and since I was rather certain it was the starter, I called the repair place where we had our starter replaced just 16 months ago. The guy said that our warranty on the part was only for 12 months, but since we were close to that, he would just take care of it for us. And our tow was free with our insurance. It wasn't fixed until Monday so we spent last weekend without a car, but overall, it didn't cause us any problems. We didn't have to pay for anything and we made it all the way to our own driveway safely. What was at first an annoyance was really, with closer inspection, a manifestation that God is aware of us and loves us. To me, a miracle.

random photo: lovely gifts

2011-01-05T07:00:00.002-07:00

That darling of mine got me a bonsai tree for Christmas! I told him once long ago that I have always wanted one. I wasn't even hinting! Now we will have to see whether I can keep it alive. I have never had a plant before.

Sam also made me these sun jars! They have solar panels on the top and sensors, so when it gets dark...

I love him.

two years

2011-01-03T07:00:00.001-07:00

Dear Sam,

Two years ago today, we did this:

I wouldn't say it was the best day of my life, but rather the start of the best days of my life.

Sometimes I try to remember what life was like before I knew you. It seems dim and unsatisfying. Now, there is a vibrancy and a confidence about life. You give that to me.

I didn't know what it felt like to be truly myself until I was with you. You know and love all of me.

Our life together is everything a life should be, joyful and passionate and sometimes difficult, full of laughter and tears. Full of us.

You are kind, tender, and patient. You quietly work hard to give me a wonderful life. You make me laugh constantly. Your smile lights up my whole being.

I feel beautiful when I am with you. I feel deeply loved.

We have our whole lives stretching before us still, years to grow even closer. Thank you for choosing to do it with me.

You are mine and I am completely yours. I love you.

Happy anniversary baby.

Love, Krista

fashion friday: vacation

2010-12-31T07:00:00.001-07:00

Sweater: Target

Shirt: Target

Belt: thrifted

Skirt: Shade

Tights: Target

Boots: Target

My father-in-law has the most beautiful backyard with zillions of edible things growing in it. I took advantage of his grape arbor for these pictures and engaged my sister-in-law Rachel to shoot them (giving Sam a well-deserved break). I had the most splendid Christmas at my in-laws in California. I feel extraordinarily blessed having married into that family. Sam has four siblings and two of them were there with us, along with one sister-in-law and of course, Sam's parents. They feel just like home to me. How many people can say that about their in-laws? I had the grandest time.

Sam and I spent the last evening of our vacation in a cozy snow-bound lodge just the two of us to celebrate our anniversary and there is no better company than my own dear man, after all. In case you wondered.

It is nice to be home, however. Just in time to ring in another new year and simultaneously take down our Christmas tree. I'm determined to do better than last year, when our tree may or may not have stayed up until February... ahem. There's my resolution.

random photo: long ago engagements

2010-12-29T07:00:00.001-07:00

Remember when I said I'd post engagement and wedding pictures since I never did, even though we got married almost two years ago?

Our photographer was Duston Todd. We took these engagements at Sam Weller's Bookstore in Salt Lake.

Man we look young.

This one above is what we sent out with our announcements.

Wedding coming soon.

pretty links

2010-12-27T07:00:00.005-07:00

via elle apparel

It's basically still Christmas for me as I'm still spending time with family, eating delicious food, and not going to work, so I don't really want to sit down and write a blog post. Instead, here is a quick round-up of beautiful blog posts I've seen in the last few months (which is really probably even better than anything I would write):

How to style your vintage luggage sets (I needed this post, badly!)

Tutorial for fabric-lined envelopes!

I love white porcelain. And animals figurines. Porcelain animal figurines, anyone?

Stacey Sargent's gorgeous apartment. Seriously, I died.

Another gorgeous apartment. The string of lights above the bed! So perfect.

These gallery walls put mine to shame (photo above).

A beautiful studio. I'd love to create there.

Enjoy! I hope you had a great Christmas!

for unto you is born this day a Savior

2010-12-25T07:00:00.003-07:00

Merry Christmas.

fashion friday: political ambitions

2010-12-24T07:00:00.002-07:00

Shirt: Forever 21

Cardigan: Target

Skirt: So old it's impossible to know

Belt: Shade

Tights: Old Navy

Shoes: Forever Young

If you follow me on Twitter, you know that Sam thinks these new glasses make me look like Sarah Palin. Especially if I wear my hair in a bun. I'd like to officially announce my presidential candidacy for 2012, thanks.

I've been scouring the interwebs for a good solid tie-front button up shirt for a long time now. Then I realized I have a button up shirt that came with a sash. And the tie was born. The poor sash has been stuffed into a corner of my closet for so long now that even ironing didn't quite un-straggle it. I have high hopes for the future, though, now that it knows it has a role to play in my wardrobe. Come on, sash, buck up.

I just realized that I'm not smiling in any of these. This makes no sense, as it was kind of still drizzling rain when we took these and Sam stood under the eaves of the house and got dripped on mightily and it was pretty funny. Such a gem of a husband.

random photo: brown paper packages

2010-12-22T07:00:00.003-07:00

I love wrapping presents. Actually, I love wrapping A present, singular. I enjoy the folding and creasing and making it look nice. But when I have to wrap a whole pile, I start to lose the love. Still, they do look nice all in a pile. I shall dwell on the loveliness instead of the slight backache I got from bending over them. Oh and thanks for your suggestions for presents. As you can see above, I did figure out what to get husband.

P.S. I lit the two candles on our coffee table (exact same candles) and they were both burning merrily one second, and the next second, one of them had totally disappeared into a pile of wax! What the heck?

responsibilities of christmas

2010-12-20T07:00:00.001-07:00

I decided this was going to be the first year I became an adult, meaning, I gave out neighbor gifts for Christmas. Hurray. I've lived in my neighborhood for a couple of years now, it's probably time to be sociable. I saw this idea and thought, hey, easy and cute! So I found this recipe for cinnamon roasted almonds which seemed pretty simple. Well! It's a good thing I decided to be an adult and try this whole neighbor gift while I still have free time in my life because holy cow, making these took a million years. Or at least eight hours. Never again! The almonds were delicious, though, if I do say so myself. And I do like my neighbors, so I guess the spirit of giving is all that's important. They better like me too, though, because if not, I might start giving out coal.

fashion friday: gift ideas

2010-12-17T07:00:00.003-07:00

Headband: Forever 21

Sweater: Target

Shirt: Target

Jeans: Forever 21

Socks: gift

Boots: Target

I wore these boots every.single.day this week. It was a new experience for me, but kind of awesome. I also wore at least one thing besides the boots from Target every day. This was also awesome.

In other news, Sam has been shopping for my Christmas presents for multiple evenings, leaving me at home. He also made me something (adorable!) and then burned all the evidence in our fireplace. He's completely done with his Christmas shopping. This is entirely unfair, as I have gotten him one thing so far and I'm pretty stumped for the rest. I usually save up ideas for months but this time it didn't happen. So, yeah, ideas are welcome. What would YOU buy for a darling man who equally loves sports and Star Wars, reading and playing guitar, but most of all being with me? Keep in mind, he already has my heart (ew, sappy).

random photo: christmas card

2010-12-15T07:00:00.008-07:00

Don't forget, today is the auction for Bloggers Give Back! There is great stuff to bid on so hurry! I'm thinking of bidding on this and this, and you should definitely be bidding on this.

I like to design my own Christmas cards. I don't have lots of skills in that area, but it's fun to try. This year I made four different cards and let Sam pick. We'll be mailing the one he chose to our families and friends (therefore, this is not a spoiler), but for all my blog peeps (peeps is a word I'm not allowed to say, according to husband), here is one of the rejected three that I really liked and so declared it the Merry Christmas! Love, the Blog card:

As an EXTRA special treat (because you're my peeps, you know) (ha, take that Sam), here is last year's card (done in the early days of learning photoshop, so don't laugh):

The card is only a year old, but the picture is almost two years old, since it's a wedding picture. Which reminds me, I have never once put wedding or engagement pictures on this here blog. This, obviously, is a travesty so maybe I'll get around to doing that in the next few weeks, eh? Would you like that? Don't answer if it's "no."

Oh yes, and Merry Christmas! Love, the Blog

christmas card pictures

2010-12-13T07:00:00.005-07:00

When I'm lying in bed with the lights off and I've already kissed husband goodnight, before I fall asleep I usually like to imagine things. Sometimes it's simple, like what to wear the next day, and sometimes it's complicated, like planning a vacation. For the last two months, it's been this photo shoot for our Christmas cards. And it turned out perfectly.

My darling friend Mary took these (such talent!) and she was awesome to put up with me and all my imaginings. Sam must also be commended for putting up with me as he hates hates hates getting his picture taken. The things he does for me! I'm the luckiest girl ever.

And now, a sampling:

P.S. Come back on Wednesday for a glimpse of an actual card utilizing the pictures! Such excitement, I know. Try not to lose sleep.

fashion friday: the onslaught of cold

2010-12-10T07:00:00.009-07:00

Coat: Urban Wear

Scarf: gift

Jeans: Charlotte Russe

Boots: Target

Mittens: Estonia (the country)

Let's all take a moment to say goodbye to outfit pictures that don't consist of cold weather outerwear and welcome six months of snow shoveling, icy roads, and below freezing temperatures.

And I guess hot chocolate, sledding, and warm fires. Sigh. I guess if I have to think of good things.

(I feel like a wrote a similar blog post last year.) (Nope, I just checked and last year's was much more positive. Probably because it hadn't actually snowed yet when I wrote it.)

When we're done with school, I'm totally moving somewhere that's warm all the time. Sorry Mom, you'll have to fly out to visit your grandbabies.

Goodbye snow!

P.S. The adorable Sydney from The Daybook is giving away something from my shop today! Check it out here!

bloggers give back

2010-12-09T07:00:00.004-07:00

What the Thursday post? Well it's for a good cause.

Bloggers Give Back Project is helping Alan and Donna Gubler, who just lost their home and everything they own to a fire. They are both school teachers and don't have insurance on their home. Bloggers are donating their services and goods to an auction to help get the Gublers back on their feet. 100% of the proceeds will go straight to the Gublers. You can read more of their story here and more about the Bloggers Give Back Project here. The auction starts on December 15th and I'm happy to say that I have donated to the cause, in the form of a watch to be auctioned off. Remember when I made this Anthropologie knock-off watch? Well, what's the use in making things if you can't auction them off for charity, right? Besides, I've been wanting to make Christmas a little more meaningful and this was a simple and easy way for me to do something for someone else.

There are lots of things up for bidding so keep checking back and get ready for the 15th. You can find the button on my sidebar. If you want to donate something of your own, you can here. If you just want to contribute a little cash without waiting for the auction, you can here.

Merry Christmas guys.

random photo(s): christmas time in the city

2010-12-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

I love Christmas decorations. So very very much. For example, Sam repeatedly asked me why I kept looking at his hair the other night. I wasn't. I was looking over his head at the Christmas decorations. I couldn't stop. Because I love them. Are you getting this?

This year, I pulled inspiration from Katie Did, Sweet Paul, and Gifted magazine. And then I made things. Like ornaments and wreaths and garlands. I sat on the floor surrounded by paper and and scissors and Mod Podge and glitter and tree limbs and feathers and fishing line and tape. The house was a complete wreck. Sam cut out a lot of snowflakes. Even when I told him I didn't need anymore, he made more. They were good, too. Then he cleaned everything up while I was sleeping (he's adorable AND useful). And of course, we put up lights.

So here's a little taste of our Christmas house right now. Joy to the world.

truth and substance: an essay

2010-12-06T07:00:00.038-07:00

Last week I stayed home from church.

Sam had spent the whole night before with bad acid reflux/ulcer-like symptoms and was still doubled over in pain when the alarm went off. I was still fighting a large and insistent cold that had lasted more than a couple of days. We made an executive decision that church was not going to be an option that day. It made me a little sad. Sabbath worship in our own church building, with our own ward members, fulfilling our callings, and partaking of the sacrament are all very important to us. Still, when it can’t be, it can’t be.

We resolved to read from the General Conference edition of the Ensign and listen to gospel music so that we still had some sort of spiritual upliftment. We did so. It was spiritually uplifting.

The reason for this story, however, came later that day. I was reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, since everyone in the world was reading it. From what I knew about it beforehand, there was a fair chance it would be worth reading. I like eating, praying, and loving.

The part about eating made me hungry. The part about loving was disappointingly salacious (I’m not a fan of reading/watching/hearing about other people’s sexual acts regardless of reason).

The part about praying, however, made me think. I’m still thinking, even.

Before I go on, I want you to know that I write these thoughts now because sometimes there is so much meaningless fluff here on my blog, I want to smack the author (you know, myself) and say, WHO CARES. In deference to my better self, the part of me that yearns for a higher plane of living, I am writing this, not to be preachy or holier than thou, but because I need to express it before it loses its meaning to me. I hope it is as much of a relief for you as it is for me. If not, I’m sure there will be more of the fluff later.

As I read about the different religions and beliefs and “paths to God” that Gilbert encountered, I noticed there was a large amount of truth, more than I expected, maybe. Truths like, we are all divine ourselves, that God is loving and all-powerful and involved with us as individuals, that miracles happen, that our life experiences are to teach us and mold us and shape us for our divine heritage. Inspiring and beautiful truths were in that book.

And yet.

I missed church.

There is truth in reading the Ensign. There is truth in prayer. There is truth in meditation, in nature, in reaching out for our Creator. There is truth in Eat, Pray, Love.

But the whole truth? That all-encompassing, eternal, and unchanging truth, without fallacies or murkiness? The comfort of knowing exactly who I am and exactly from where I came and exactly where I am going? That is found only in following the principles of God through the teachings of Christ revealed to prophets. That is why I eagerly go to church. Because while truth can be found in lots of places, fully redeeming truth is rarer and more precious than gold.

fashion friday: story of a sweater

2010-12-03T07:00:00.001-07:00

Sweater: Papaya

Jeans: Charlotte Russe

Boots: Target

When I first saw this loose, slightly sparkly sweater with a very teeny chevron stitch, I stood in the store and held it for a long time. Then I walked away from it. I went home. I kept thinking about it. I thought of three ways I could wear it (thanks Elaine):

1. With heels and a statement necklace (fancy)

2. With boots and my hair down (casual)

3. With a high bun, flats, and a scarf (more casual)

4. With a pencil skirt and tights (oh look, four ways!)

So I went back and got it. And it was even cheaper than before. I feel it was meant to be.

random photo: cjane

2010-12-01T07:00:00.002-07:00

As you can tell, I'm on an old picture kick. This one is (obviously) from more than a year ago when I went to get my hair cut and there was Courtney Kendrick of cjane enjoy it fame. Ashlee Wilcken, who is cjane's stylist and cut my hair that day, took the picture. I stole it off of her blog yesterday. We were talking at work awhile ago about meeting famous people. Everyone had at least one brush with fame. This is all I got.

(Post edit: I hope I don't sound snarky about meeting CJane. While it may be my only brush with fame, it was certainly a pleasant brush.)

do i dare?

2010-11-29T07:00:00.013-07:00

I would like opinions on the feasibility of dyeing my hair this color:

via Glamour

I'm kind of madly in love with it. However, I also think it might be too rock star-ish for a normal life such as my own. I have an office job and a church calling and a husband. Never mind the fact that I have no idea how I'd look in red hair. And I might miss my brown if it went away.

I checked out the boxes of hair dye at the store the other day and now Sam is convinced that I'm really going to do it. I don't think I will. I'm too scared. But I just wanted to see if they even have this shade for home dyeing. They do not. Which means I'd have to shell out the big bucks. And keep it up constantly as it's so radically different from my natural shade. And what if it fades to an ugly red? Fake red tends to do that.

All this means it's probably a no.

But still. What if?

fashion friday: thanksgiving

2010-11-26T07:00:00.003-07:00

Dress: Shade

Cardigan: Down East

Belt: Shade

Tights: American Eagle

Boots: Target

Yesterday was Thanksgiving. I am thankful for (not inclusive and in random order):

Sam aka Husband (ok that one is not random order), love, my Heavenly Father, my Savior, my family, Sam's family which is also my family but they should know they are included in this list too, laughing, Lords of the Realm, my house, fasting, prayer, scriptures, the temple, my health, contact lenses, beautiful scenery, music, my job, days off, friends, marriage, books, food, lipstick, indoor heating, Christmas lights, clothes, missionaries, and sugar.

Hope your Thanksgiving was filled with all of those things and more.

random photo: van gogh

2010-11-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

I found this really old picture on my camera the other day. Sam had drawn Van Gogh's Starry Night on a mini chalkboard we had for a Primary lesson. I remember being impressed. Apparently impressed enough to take a picture.

love where you live part 5

2010-11-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

This is part five of my series to help me remember to be happy where I am. Past posts in this series: one (plus an explanation), two, three, and four.

I love the fun patterns of these pillows, yet they cause much consternation to husband, as I imagine most pillows do to most men. I get mad when he smashes them and he insists there is no room for him to not be smashing them. I think we have come to an agreement of sorts, though. He is free to throw them off on to the chair or floor or loveseat as I am free to heap them back on when he leaves. Also, he can use/smash any of them except the ones where I sewed the cover myself (the blue and white striped one and the mint green geometric patterned one) because those are much more delicate and prone to wrinkles. The others are actually quite hardy, particularly the giant tan and white striped one which is also super comfortable. So basically this represents our marriage: sometimes hardy, sometimes delicate, always comfortable, fun, and all about compromise.

fashion friday: self-confidence

2010-11-19T07:00:00.007-07:00

Hat: Forever 21

Chambray shirt: Old Navy

Striped shirt: Forever 21

Jeans: Charlotte Russe

Slippers: gift

Kendi once said that she likes to assign an occupation to her outfits. Well, mine today is starving artist. I think my slippers that I was pretending were shoes even though they are really nothing but slippers really adds to it. The hat is what makes the artist thing but really I wore it because Sam was snoring loudly all night because of a cold and I was too tired to wash my hair in the morning.

On a more serious note, the other day a friend of my mom's who hadn't seen me since I was a kid said that I should be a model. She was a very effusive person and I know that was just her way of saying "you're not five years old anymore," but I still wished I could have explained to her how much I don't think I should be a model at all. I don't feel very comfortable when I'm taking these pictures. I have no idea how to pose really. When I edit them later, I cringe and then laugh over the facial expressions I make. Sometimes I feel like I'm totally fooling myself into thinking I dress well enough to blog about. But the whole point of it, for me, is to get over my own self-consciousness and to show myself that my individual style is great, whatever it is. I could wear a burlap sack, and if I felt good in it, then great! This is what I tell myself but I'm not sure I know it yet.

Last Friday, some of my co-workers were talking to me about my blog and specifically fashion Friday and I could feel myself starting to blush horribly. The idea that strangers read this is fine, but the idea that people who actually see me day to day read it kind of makes me embarrassed. Do they think I'm fake and/or trying too hard? Do they chuckle amusedly to themselves that I'm even attempting this? They were actually very nice and they probably don't think any of those things, but even if they did, I don't want to care. I want to feel comfortable with myself all the time.

So I post my outfits each week to teach myself, "You look good because you look like you. And being you is lovely."