The Mushy and The Muffy

Back on the bandwagon- part 2

2011-01-01T15:49:00.000-08:00

Hop over to http://littleredsreflection.blogspot.com/ for my New Years resolution!!!!!

Which includes blogging again! I feel so revitalized now that the holidays are over! Maybe I can be a functioning part of society again?

Did you know....

2010-08-23T18:57:00.000-07:00

Did you know that I got to go to.......

Paris

London

and Oxford.

It was a lovely trip. Full of life. Energy, and beautiful memories.

Announcement !!!!!

2010-06-03T18:47:00.000-07:00

While I have slightly jumped off the blogging bandwagon the past few months. I have actually been mulling over the idea of creating a new blog. Now that it is set up I would officially like to invite you to preview ...... drum roll please. http://www.littleredsreflection.blogspot.com/

Check it out!

p.s. Its finally sunny in Utah! I am officially getting a suntan line from my seatbelt! I can't believe that it was snowing a week ago- it feels like it turned into summer over night!

favorite of the week= Moms.

2010-05-09T21:09:00.001-07:00

What a beautiful day. We got to drive with the top down on my new car. We got to spend the entire day with our moms. Whom we love very much! Thank goodness for loving tender moms! And we got to spend the day together, could today have been any more perfect?

My family

2010-03-16T10:48:00.001-07:00

For starters, can I just say that I love my dad?

I have not been with my entire family for over three years! It was so great to see everyone again! But I missed the family that couldn't make it!
I heard the my nieces L& G wanted to see my latest hair color- its pretty much back to normal. Just a little more red then brown! Since I was going to arizona where I saw LOADS of family, I wanted to look a bit more like myself so I changed from the blond. I also couldn't help to remember that my grandma never like my hair blond and so I felt it fitting to go back to normal when I was going to pay my respects to her.

The kitchen saga.

2010-03-14T21:07:00.001-07:00

This is what our kitchen looked like when we moved in!

Our Kitchen has had a major overhaul in the 2 1/2 short years that we have lived here. But in our home, the kitchen is defiantly the heart of the home so I have always wanted it to be perfect. Here is our kitchens little saga..... so far! ( Will I ever be done?)

#1: This is our kitchen with the original tile work that my Dad helped us put in back in 2007.

#2: In 2009, I painted the walls tan, blue, gray, blue/gray and then a creamy brown color! It was a very colorful year!

The blue was so awful, I never took the plastic down, I just painted it again!

#3: I found some beautiful tile at home depot and decided it was time to GLAM up the existing tile job. As you can see from the pictures below, the tile is a mix of sea blue, gray and copper glass pieces, and a very white natural stone. After putting it up on the wall, the white pieces were WAY to light!

4: To fix the problem I got our my trusty Walnut Ink Crystals, which you mix with water and use to antique things. In the past I have used it when scrap booking, and canvas painting, and it worked really well. So I decided to give it a try on the tile. It worked like a charm!

Here is a sample of the white tile.

This is what it looked like after I antiqued it! not to shabby huh?

5: And the finished product, which I LOVE......

Doesn't it look fantastic? I am very happy with the finished product! I am feeling very proud of my little project. I am feeling lucky to have a very talented and crafty father to help me with these projects. As well as a very understanding husband who lets me take my creativity out on the house whenever I get the urge.

6: The only thing left in the kitchen to do is our flooring. We go back and forth between wanting to lay tile down, or wood flooring down. We wont have to decide for a while since the next 6 months or so will be dedicated to yard work.

7: Keep tuned for the stories of weed picking, rock laying, seed growing, sun burns and sore muscles that are sure to come!

A prickly pear- the desert flair.

2010-03-13T20:01:00.000-08:00

My grandma.

2010-03-02T20:35:00.000-08:00

Grandma.

What do you think of when you hear that 1 word. What emotion does the memories you have with your grandma stir in you?

When I think of my Grandma, i feel my heart swell with love and admiration for a woman who lived a very long, lovely life. She gave to others, and loved so many. I could only hope that one day I could live up to her legacy.I also think of hot scones and story books. Making crafts and sewing. Learning to read and attempting to learn some math. I was the youngest grandchild. And I felt like she was my grandma alone. But when you talk to all of her other grandchildren, they also think they were her favorite. What a trait to have, to be able to love so many. And to make them feel like they are special. Here is my favorite link about my grandma. She was a wonderful woman. I will miss her dearly.

http://allen-price.blogspot.com/2009/06/love-story.html

Mary Magdalene Pace Allen 1913 ~ 2010 Mary Magdalene Pace Allen, age 96, passed away February 28, 2010, due to natural causes.Maggie was born to James Byrum Pace and Adeline Savage on September 9, 1913, in Woodruff, AZ. All of her great-grandparents participated in the Mormon Exodus from Nauvoo, Illinois to Salt Lake City, Utah. Called to serve, they later pioneered northern Arizona. She was one of 10 children. She graduated from Snowflake High School at 16 and went to college in Flagstaff to pursue a career in teaching. Her first assignment was in a one-room schoolhouse in Woodruff, AZ. In her career, she taught every grade. She continued in the profession for 37 years teaching through the Great Depression, World War II, in several communities in Arizona before settling in the Mesa School District. She taught about 1200 students. After retiring from teaching she moved to St. Johns, AZ. where she enjoyed community service and many friends and family there. She met her husband, Gove L. Allen of Mesa, AZ, while they were both attending college to become educators. They were married in the Mesa LDS Temple in 1933. They had four children, Gove L. Jr., Gary B., Mary JaNeanne, and Loren P. They spent summers with their children in Greeley, Colorado while obtaining Masters Degrees. Gove Sr. died in 1951. She was known for her sharp intellect, vivid memory, strong sense of family, strong work ethic, integrity and creativity. She was especially talented in writing and sewing. She blessed many lives with her exceptional creative talents. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all of her life and a dedicated church worker including, teaching, Stake Junior Sunday School Coordinator, YW Presidency. Maggie was residing with her daughter JaNeanne in Salt Lake City for the past four years. While there, she produced nearly 2,000 quilt tops for the LDS Humanitarian Center. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Gove L. Allen, son, Gary Allen (Pam), grandsons Jeremy and Peter Allen, siblings Wilson, Beth Elledge, Glen, Ruth Bowers, Marion Fields, Paul, Lincoln, and Jimmy. She is survived by sister Gwendolyn Udall (Keith), sisters-in-law Mary A. Hardison, Henrietta Allen, Lois P. Allen, children, Gove L. Allen Jr. (Mary), JaNeanne A. Webster (Jim), Loren Pace Allen (Sandy). Maggie leaves behind 24 grandchildren, 63 great-grandchildren and 24 great great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews who she knew and loved. A memorial service/viewing will be held Wednesday, March 3rd at 6:30 p.m. in the Larkin Mortuary Chapel, 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 6th at 10 a.m. in the old 2nd Ward building at 15 West 1st Ave in Mesa, AZ. Family will receive friends one hour prior to service. Interment, Mesa City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund.

Did you know?

2010-02-15T18:13:00.000-08:00

Did you know that its 2010? Yes that's right - we are 46 days into the new year. This year I decided I needed a change, I needed a reboot. I needed something that would get the creative juices flowing and that would start 2010 off with a bang. So, I turned to my hair! If you know me at all, you realize that this is not that big of a deal- I change my hair all the time. But still- I decided to try something that I have not done in a while and I bleached my hair. Now- how does one present such a change to their friends on the Internet? What pose is appropriate, with out looking vain for posting pictures of yourself? Does one.......

Use the international pose of site seeing?

Do you make a goofy face?

Passport photo?

Or just give in a post something flattering?

What new things have you done for 2010?

Favorite of the week #3.

2010-02-13T00:25:00.001-08:00

We got these pillows at work today. When I saw them I gasped, raised it up to look at it closer, then clutched it to my chest in loving admiration. I felt like I was a little girl and just found a long lost teddy bear. Aside from imagining this pillow on every chair in my house- It has inspired me to begin looking for spring essential tops that I can pair with my favorite white jeans from last summer! Every one keep your fingers crossed for an early spring!

Favorite of the week #2

2010-01-30T21:10:00.001-08:00

Classified Ads.

Found this very special table tonight. Love it.

Favorite of the week # 1 ( Starting off a new year)

2010-01-12T19:01:00.001-08:00

I have decided to start my favorite of the week count over again since its a new year.

My 1st Favorite of the week- in the year 2010, is......

The idea of a super cute, colorful and simple Organized Home.

Leave it to Martha Stewart to give us these little glimpses of organization. Can I just rant about Martha for a minute? I love Martha Stewart Living, and her website, MarthaStewart.com. I can not believe what awesome ideas she has, for cooking, cleaning and decorating. My favorite article in her latest issue titled. " Fresh Thinking: Organic, local, seasonal. How to shop for fruits and vegetables and weigh your choices in the produce aisle." I learned all type of things. For example, did you know that, " Buying South American asparagus or grapes in the winter requires more fossil fuels. Which generate more pollution than buying foods grown close to home." or "Seasonal means better nutrition because many out-of-season vegetables and fruits like winter peaches from Mexico- have to travel long distances and lose nutrients along the way."

I guess the reason that I really love Martha, is she teaches me about all the little things in life, and how to make them better.

On to organizing. I am turing our 3rd bedroom- or "JUNK ROOM" as we have so fondly taken to calling it, into my own personal Studio! I am so excited and post pictures along the way. it is going to be my own creative space, filled with paints, canvas, and LOTS of ORGANIZATION. I have been searching out different organizing ideas, and can't wait to get started. Wish me luck!!!!

uninspired.

2010-01-08T18:07:00.001-08:00

I feel uninspired to write anything this year. But yes, I am still here.

Brown paper packages, tied up with Sting.

2009-12-21T11:07:00.000-08:00

Four days to go! I have finished my shopping, and have moved on to wrapping. Which is on of my favorite parts. Sometimes I feel boring, because I don't use a lot of fancy wrapping paper. I like to keep it simple. Brown paper, and string. Does anyone else hear Julia Andrews singing in the back round?

a (Utah) girls best Friend .

2009-12-16T21:00:00.001-08:00

I wish I could spend all my money on sweaters....... who needs a house anyway?

favorite of the week

2009-12-15T20:27:00.001-08:00

The Hamburglar.

Need I say more?

10 days to go- and counting!

2009-12-15T19:02:00.000-08:00

It finally snowed in Utah this last week. It snowed, and snowed and snowed. It was freezing, and beautiful. It has defiantly set the mood for Christmas! The snow was all I needed to finish my last minute decorating around the house. I decorated my tree the week of Thanksgiving, and have loved having the lights on and the cozy feeling a tree brings to the room. I worked hard this year to stretch Christmas throughout the entire house.

1: I had to show off some more of my favorite ornaments. This year I found 2 broken ornaments in my ornament box. There is nothing more heartbreaking than when you tenderly unwrap an ornament only to find it shattered from its long hibernation. As Mushy put it- "Its a good thing we have a couple hundred left..."

2: Last night I decorated my table. It turned out so beautiful- I wish I was holding a Christmas party this year so I could show it off! I guess that Mushy and the Pinchers (The Ying & Yang) will have to gather around the table so that we enjoy the candle light.

3: I got this cute iron sleigh the first year I worked for Pier 1. It was perfect for the kitchen hutch. Remember my little penguin? He found a home on our refrigerator. Its the closest to the Arctic that we could get.

Of course the bathroom needed a little sprucing too! I found these cute and towels at target. a set of 2 for $4.00! What a steal!

Happy Decorating everyone!

11 days to go... and I am in the Tour of Homes!

2009-12-14T14:35:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite home decor blogs is "The Nester" This week she kicked off a huge celebration of Christmas by hosting the Christmas Tour of Homes. You can check out all the homes taking part in the tour here. http://www.thenester.com/ More pics of my house to come....... since I am officially in the "tour". Its time to show off my Christmas delights! Check in tomorrow for more Christmas- and for my favorite of the week!

Festival of Trees & 17 days to go!

2009-12-07T20:34:00.000-08:00

It has been a very busy couple days. We now have 17 days to go until Christmas! Isn't that crazy? Its been snowing here in Utah so its starting to feel a lot like Christmas! last week the Mush and I went to the Festival of Trees with our friends Ben and Lindsey. It was so fun to see them- I think we laughed the entire time! I loved seeing all of the different styles of trees, and beautiful colors used. This was only a topiary, but I loved the colors!

The festival is so inspiring. Everything there is donated, and put up for bidding. Then all the proceeds go towards Primary Children's Hospital. I donated a centerpiece for the festival about 4 years ago, and it was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. It brought $600 in on the biding night. I have not been able to donate the past couple years, but was definitely inspired to participate next year. I decided that next year I was going to donate an entire tree! If you have any theme ideas let me know! While I would never put a theme to my own tree, the best trees at the festival were all themed. There was lots of Disney/ princess trees, peppermint trees, Dr,Seuss trees... even camping/hunting trees! Some of the trees were very funny- but not as pretty as others.

The star wars trees was nuts. They had an entire set up with all the old, original toys. I took a lot of pictures for my brothers to drool over. I think a saw a lot of toys they always wanted!

This was one of my personal favorites. It wasn't because it was fancy, pretty, or even that creative. But the fact that someone made a tree that was dedicated to Labyrinth made me giggle for a very long time.

23 days to go!

2009-12-03T23:02:00.000-08:00

Whats on your christmas list this year? While looking around for gift ideas, these are a few things I have stumbled on that made my heart pidder patter. While my wish list gets a little fatter.

$25. The first one is just a given. Who doesn't want to make cookies all year round. Do you think you could open the pre-made Toll House cookies from the store, flatten out the predetermined amount they cut for you, and cut it with a cookie cutter? If not.... this may be a waste! Or a lovely reminder of my failure to cook fresh cookies.

$200- $500:This one would end up costing a bit more. 1st, we need to buy a Wii. 2nd. We need to buy al the paddles. 3rd: I also want a Wii fit. 4: The reason we would spend all of this? To play Mario Brothers of course! The best game, and music in the history of games. Plus you can play this one with friends. Maybe they would help me finally beat bruiser!

$45: I love this ring. I fell in love with a similar one at Tiffanys. It was $7000. I think this one is more in our budget- and it looks just as sparkly. Which is the whole point isn't it? Maybe we'll get Tiffany's Next year.

$199: Last but not least. I have been wanting this jacket for months...... Love the lines. The distressed leather. I have been trying to remind myself that I am not a victoria secret angle, my hair looks like a boy (unlike the long sexy locks shown here)- and I would NOT turn into a super star in this jacket. Still, here I am, drooling over the keyboard.

These are just a few things I would love to splurge on. Are you itching for anything special this year?

Day 24- The debate of the Holidays.

2009-12-02T19:54:00.000-08:00

The big question that has haunted christmas decorators for decades is.......
Colored lights?

Or white lights

Which do you prefer?

Day 25: Its time for a very good cause!

2009-12-01T19:25:00.000-08:00

This year at work we are partnering with Ellen, and participating in the Toys for Tots program.

If you are looking for a good cause this year- I encourage you to stop by your local Pier 1, and drop off some TOYS FOR TOTS!
Nothing puts the Christmas Spirit in your heart for than giving back. Only 25 more days to go people.... are you getting ready for Christmas?

Here is the website, if you wan to read up on it.
http://www.toysfortots.org/

Day 25: Oh Christmas tree...

2009-11-30T19:49:00.000-08:00

I love my tree. I thought about adding a color this year. But it feels too perfect with the black, white and silver. We get annual ornaments, for the mush and the ying/yang twins. I have not picked them out yet. But for now, here is my tree. I picked some of my favorite ornaments to spotlight. Isn't it funny how a personal a tree is? Some like it bare, some over board. Some people like color lights, some color. Home made ornaments vs. store bought. My assistant told me a story today about her christmas tree growing up. They used to string it with home made popcorn and cranberries. Every Year her dog at the popcorn, but left the cranberries. Too funny! What do you think about Christmas trees? Is there a "wrong/right" way to do a tree?

Day 26. A homemade Christmas Craft.

2009-11-29T16:55:00.001-08:00

I have been looking for cute gift ideas and found this crafty Christmas Starfish, on one of my favorite home blogs. "Young House Love" http://www.younghouselove.com/2008/12/frosty-the-starfish/

That is one frosty starfish! have not made one yet, but am looking forward to my day off, where I plan on making a variety. Snowman, Santa.... peacock? I imagine the possibilities are endless. (well, maybe not the peacock) I will let you know how it goes! In the mean time, what is your favorite Christmas Craft? Do you have one that you do traditionally every year? Or do you remember one year in particular? I was just at a rehabilitation center that my grandma is staying in, and going over memories with her. We reminisced about the year, she was helping me make my mom a Pot Holder for Christmas. Being too young to use a sewing machine, I sewed the majority by hand. It was not until I was completely done sewing that I realized I had sewed the pot holder to my pant leg! Needless to say, I had to start over, and sewed AWAY from the body from that day forth!

Day 27

2009-11-28T23:16:00.001-08:00

Mariah Carey All I Want For Christmas Is You (Version 60's)
Uploaded by laurentbiss. - Watch more music videos, in HD!

Its time to pull out the Christmas music! Now that is is almost December, I am not ashamed to say that I enjoy the blaring Christmas music every where I turn. Work, the mall, target...... the list goes on. (on a side note, is it weird that Target is a destination to me, and not just a "store") I posted my favorite Christmas song above. Then tracked down the TOP 25 most popular Christmas songs. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Did it make the top 25 ?

The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
Written by: Mel Tormé, Robert Wells
Performed by: Nat "King" Cole

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Written by: Ralph Blane, Hugh Martin
Performed by: The Pretenders

Winter Wonderland
Written by: Felix Bernard, Richard B. Smith
Performed by: Eurythmics

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Written by: Fred Coots, Haven Gillespie
Performed by: Bruce Springsteen

White Christmas
Written by: Irving Berlin
Performed by: Bing Crosby

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Written by: Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne
Performed by: Andy Williams

Jingle Bell Rock
Written by: Joseph Carleton Beal, James Ross Boothe
Performed by: Bobby Helms

Little Drummer Boy
Written by: Katherine K. Davis, Henry V. Onorati, Harry Simeone
Performed by: The Harry Simeone Chorale & Orchestra

Sleigh Ride
Written by: Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish
Performed by: The Ronettes

Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
Written by: Johnny Marks
Performed by: Gene Autry

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
Written by: Edward Pola, George Wyle
Performed by: Andy Williams

I'll Be Home For Christmas
Written by: Walter Kent, Kim Gannon, Buck Ram
Performed by: Vanessa Williams

Silver Bells
Written by: Jay Livingston, Ray Evans
Performed by: Kenny G

Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
Written by: Johnny Marks
Performed by: Brenda Lee

Feliz Navidad
Written by: José Feliciano
Performed by: José Feliciano

Blue Christmas
Written by: Billy Hayes, Jay W. Johnson
Performed by: Elvis Presley

Frosty The Snowman
Written by: Steve Nelson, Walter E. Rollins
Performed by: The Ronettes

A Holly Jolly Christmas
Written by: Johnny Marks
Performed by: Burl Ives

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
Written by: Meredith Willson
Performed by: Johnny Mathis

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
Written by: Tommie Connor (PRS)
Performed by: John Mellencamp

Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)
Written by: Gene Autry, Oakley Haldeman
Performed by: Elvis Presley

Carol Of The Bells
Written by: Peter J. Wilhousky, Mykola Leontovich
Performed by: John Tesh and the Christmas Symphony Orchestra

Do They Know It's Christmas? (Feed the World)
Written by: Midge Ure (PRS), Bob Geldof (PRS)
Performed by: Band Aid

(There's No Place Like) Home For The Holidays
Written by: Bob Allen, Al Stillman
Performed by: The Carpenters

Santa Baby
Written by: Joan Ellen Javits, Philip Springer, Tony Springer
Performed by: Madonna

Day 28.

2009-11-27T18:32:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

One thing that every one must do at least 1 during the holidays is to "Elf Yourself". Every time I put one of these together, I find my self giggling for hours! My challenge to you..... ELF YOURSELF! You wont regret it!

We only have 28 days until Christmas! Have you started putting up your ornaments yet?

Day 29

2009-11-26T21:07:00.000-08:00

Today is a very special day! It is day 29. Which kicks off the countdown to Christmas. I have been brainstorming and gathering ideas for getting into the Christmas spirit, and decided that I wanted to share these ideas day by day with you. To start off, there is nothing like one BIG family dinner to get you into the spirit of cheer. Which brings us back to day 29. Thanksgiving.

Mushy deep fried a turkey. Yes, you read that correctly. Deep Fried. He tied it up, hooked it dunked it, and an hour later it was delish. He was so proud, he even posed for this photo. . The Mush HATES pictures, so happily posing is very out of character. Every one loved the turkey, so the deep fry was very successful.
I posted a few of my Thanksgiving decorations. I don't go overboard with Thanksgiving but I do like to highlight the day with some special pieces. That usually includes pumpkins, which were white and orange this year. As well as lots natural materials like the dried branches and sea grass table runner.
I also started a new tradition this year. Its a Thankful jar. All of our guest wrote out what they were thankful on the extra pieces of paper, and stuck it in the jar. When we host next year we will pull out every ones cards and read them at dinner. After reading through a few of them, and getting those fuzzy feelings of gratitude I decided to keep the jar out all year round. Its a large jar, and I am hoping that we can fill it completely by next year.

Now. Tell me about your day. Did you start any traditions? Carry on any old? I want to hear all about it.

Don't forget to check in tomorrow for our 1st tip on creating Christmas cheer!

Sometimes I get it right.

2009-11-22T18:38:00.000-08:00

We all know that Mushy is the chef of the house. He always make scrumptious dinners, and snacks. Every once in a while I will try my hand at something, and make him dinner. Mostly soups. I love to make soup. My "famous" soup is Zucchini. Green and delish. But tonight I tried out a recipe that I want to make for thanksgiving. Butternut squash. I have never eaten the squash, let alone have the soup, so I didn't know what I was getting my self into. I'll give you the run down.

#1: I bought the squash.

#2: Then you have to peel it. Which is where it gets tricky. They are so hard to peel, it took FOREVER!

#3: I stewed it, and made it super delish.

#4: Scooped it into bowls.

#5: Served it to Mushy. Now if you have eaten my food before, you already know that its a gamble. I'm a little reckless, and you never know when I will add Salt instead of sugar, or boil instead of saute. Some times its good, others...... well you get the point. So I was a little nervous to see what the Mush thought. Which brings us to .....

#6:

He loved it! I love that he loved it, it feels good to be the TOP CHEF tonight.

Where's my peeps?

2009-11-15T20:20:00.000-08:00

Mushy checked out the blog the other day, and had a few questions for me. #1: What happened to my regular blog? #2: What happened to my regular contributors? So here's the deal- I'll write, you guys kick some feedback my way... and the blog is back on!

Lets start off with an old tradition. The favorite of the week.

I rented from red box for the first time. It was awesome! $1.00 for each movie! You can't beat that! Even better, I rented on my day off- and got to rent all the chick flicks that Mushy has not wanted to rent! I had a fun day, watching sappy movies. Crying when I wanted to, and laughing out loud when it got too cheesy.

On to the Subject matter #2:

Painting. Here is the latest creation. I am starting to LOVE my bedroom. Finally. The walls got a darker shade of grey/blue to create some drama. I also painted a couple canvases to pop against the dark walls. I am really happy with the result. I have the next 2 days off from work, and will be working on a new painting for my sisters new house. Wish me luck. I don't mind hanging my art in my own house. But having it in someone Else's house brings a lot of pressure.

I will let you know how it turns out!

Subject #3:

2 more weeks until I can decorate for Christmas. I am counting down the days. I bought a new Christmas decoration. He is so cute, I could not stow him away until the "official" decor season. He had become a permanent fixture through Jan. I'm afraid. More Christmas photos to come!

Halloween at our house.

2009-10-31T21:52:00.000-07:00

I had to work this Halloween! Major bummer!
Mushy stayed home. He answered the door and took out handed out treats to all of our neighbor kids. He may have stopped answering the door when it came to trick-or-treater # 459- yes we have that many kids in the neighborhood.

The puppies thought they got out of dressing up this year for halloween. But I couldn't help myself. Yes, It is 11:00 at night. The holiday is almost over.....

could you resist putting these outfits on them?

-m.

photo booth

2009-10-24T18:38:00.000-07:00

I just figured out how to use the camera in my photo booth. Is it weird that this is the first thing I did?

tai pan trading.

2009-10-24T18:23:00.001-07:00

I went to tai pan today.

I had the Mushy with me, so I could not stay for long. But it was full of harvest, Halloween and most importantly CHRISTMAS DECOR! It got me in the mood for decorating!

I am so excited for Christmas. But for now, I will continue my Harvest decorating. I walked through the woods behind our house yesterday, and chopped some branches down. I know that they look huge, and border line ridiculous. But that is part of what I love about them . Also, the Ying wanted to pose for you all. She is not too excited about the change in weather. She spends most of her time laying in the sun, trying to stay warm.

A night with Mushy.

2009-10-14T20:01:00.000-07:00

A night with Mushy, is always full of.....

Spices.

Good Music. Mixed with a bit of slow dancing.

More spices. ( thanks for posing Mushy)

Wonderful ingredients.

Volia: The best dinner ever!

1:Yes, I know how lucky I am.

2:Yes, he even does the dishes.

3: No, he is mine.

4: yes, I would love to share him with you!

But you have to come to my house!

Visitors are always welcome.

Favorite of the week #..... ?

2009-10-13T20:27:00.000-07:00

Whip it.

Loved it.

Best movie ever.

DIY project & Halloween

2009-10-09T11:12:00.000-07:00

Well, for starters. It is October 09. 2009. Time to pull out the halloween decorations. I am not a huge halloween decorator. But these little ghosts were so cute I could not say No.

That is it as far as Halloween goes. But I do have a very festive harvest wreath I put on the front door. Once again. This is it as far as Harvest goes, but I am counting down the days until I can decorate for christmas!

Now on to the DIY project. I painted my Kitchen grey. I also put up a print that my dad made years and years ago. it used to hang in my grandmas house. I always loved it and my dad gave it to me for christmas a few years ago. I am glad I finally found a home for it.

Do you guys like the addition to the kitchen? I thought it warmed it up a little bit. I also brought my plants in from the front porch for the winter, and I like them so much inside I might have to figure out something else for the porch next summer.

I finally got around to re-finishing a trunk that I got from my grandmas house. When I got the trunk it was covered in HOT pink fabric, ribbon and tassels. After I took all the fabric off , it looked like this.

I sprayed it down with a solid black, and used it as a base for my new picture wall.

Guess what? My seed turned into a real lawn!!!! It really worked!

Well, thats it. That is what has been going on in my life and house, in a nutshell. What are you doing to get ready for fall?

Titanic

2009-10-04T23:41:00.001-07:00

I just watched Titanic on T.V. and I cried. Yes, I am that person that cries every time they watch Titanic. Just felt like a confession was in order.

My lonely date: Part 2

2009-09-24T20:59:00.001-07:00

When I got home, it was late. I thought for sure that Mushy would be asleep. But as I walked into the kitchen I found him making up a hamburger. I watched him put toghether some bacon, spicy mayo, a patty and smiled. I put my arms around his waist, looked up at him and wanted to cry some more. How I adore this man. I love his quirkyness. Really, who makes a full meal @ 12:30 at night? But I really love the trust and support he gives me. I love how he helps me feel like I can still be me. Like I am not crazy for going to the movies by myself, and like he loves me a little bit more for doing it. I smiled up at him, and realized that while I had fun alone. I missed my Mushy. "I love you" I said. He looked down at me smiled, and kissed my forehead and then started in on his hamburger. I laughed to myself as I got ready for bed. I felt that I had a very eventful night.

1: How free and liberating I felt going to a movie all by my self! Who does that?

2: Yes, I even got myself a treat at the movies.

3: I cried my eyes out like a baby, and didn't even feel embarassed.

4: Realized that although I liked having the freedom to do things alone, I missed Mushy and realized that I am only alone without him.

5: Remembered how different girls and boys are, and that while I had felt a span of emotion that evening, Mushy just had a regualr night out.

Mushys Night:

1: Boys night out, watching some fighting matches with a local Ultimate fighting Club.

2: Got home late.

3: Made his favorite thing to eat, then ate it obscenly late at night.

4: Went to bed.

Gotta love it.

MY LONLEY DATE: Part 1

2009-09-20T17:33:00.000-07:00

Last night I went on a date, with myself.

I wore my new favorite LBD.

A fashionable headband, equip with bow and feathers.

leggings with knee high boots and

my red scarf..... that is rapidly approaching a signature piece.

"Am I too dressed up for a movie with myself?"I thought as I looked in the mirror before dashing out the door?

Then I realized that I SHOULD want to look fabulous for my self. I twirled around in the mirror to give my hot bod on last look, and off I went.

As I was walking up to the ticket booth, I passed a group of tween girls. They "oohed" and "awed" as I walked past, and they told me that they loved my outfit. I flashed them a big smile and thanked them, fall the while feeling completley silly and frivilous for wearing such an outft to the movies. Then I bought 1 ticket to the "Time Travelers Wife ." Once inside I splurged and bought myself a kids popcorn combo. It came with a small drink, small popcorn and a packet of fruit snacks.

I found my place in the theater, settled in , and started in on my popcorn. As I sat alone I reveled in my oneness. When the movie came to a point that hit me deeply, I cried my eyes out I appreciated that I was alone. I probably cried longer and harder than I would have if I saw it with anybody else. I couldn't help but feel grateful for the choice I had made to go on a date alone. I felt like I could let loose and cry out some pent up emotion, and then heal all in the space of a movie. As I drove home, I felt like a liberated woman who was confident enough to enjoy life on my own.

Do you ever go to the movies by yourself? Why or why not?

Just a little Hawaii trip.

2009-09-11T14:37:00.000-07:00

"Lucky" Official Video With Colbie Caillat

I have a problem

2009-08-24T20:51:00.001-07:00

I am an impulsive, compulsive, nothing held back shopper. When Mushy has approached me about this in the past, I tell him that if he had any idea how many things I didn’t buy every day he would be very appreciative!” While Mushy fails to recognize that not buying EVERY thing I like as a good thing, I have stuck by my motto and continued shopping. After years of careless, reckless shopping and failed budget attempts I started looking for a deeper reasons for my compulsiveness.

After thinking about some of my recent purchases I realized I do not see purchases as being connected to money. I tend to think of them as investments….. as well as potential memories, or experiences.

Examples:

Café styled Drinking Carafes: A potential dinner party with many very trendy, happy and funny guests.

New desk for the loft: The endless hours I will be able to work on photography, Photoshop in the loft, while Mushy watches T.V. Priceless time together.

Re-usable shopping bags: The looks of adoration I will get at the grocery store, from the clerks who clearly appreciate a woman with a very stylish and eco friendly re-usable bags.

Well, as many of you know I have my Hawaii trip coming up. Which has equaled out to be ….. Expensive.

New Swim Suits: Looking Sexy on the beach for the hubby.

New Dress: Not looking like a Utah Hillbilly, but instead a very hot fashionista!

New Sandals: Well you have to have something to wear in Hawaii right?

As I sit her tonight and ponder this revelation, I think of the all the money I have carelessly spent, as well as the future money I am bound to spend if I do not get this habit under control. I think of my patient husband that brushes away his frustration under the pre-text that it is “not a big deal.” So as I lovingly tuck my Nordstrom’s card away, in an ice cube at the back of the Freezer, I will also think of the last two shirts I bought. Still in their bag….

Cream Tank: A perfect combo with my dark blue jeans, and together a perfect airport look. Where I will look like a very cool, classic world traveler.

Black one shoulder tank: A smoldering tank that I can wear out with my husband, he will defiantly remember that he is one lucky man when I where that tank!

Meanwhile I will try to see these things for what they really are;

Cream Tank: Will get wrinkled and looked worn out by the time I get to Hawaii and I will probably look like a hot mess anyway because I have been traveling for four hours.

Black Tank: Will probably never go to said dinner, where this tank would be appropriate, therefore husband will never see and will have to remember how much he loves me all on his own.

I cannot make any promises. I will commit myself to budgeting, to saying NO and to generally be more conscious of the money I am spending. I am sure the road will be filled with potholes and items with very good potential memories, and I’m sure that I will fall along the way. But I promise to try. Wish me luck fellow bloggers; I will keep you posted on my successes as they come along!

Favorite of the week#9

2009-08-09T18:07:00.000-07:00

Soundtrack to todays adventure: Kings of Leon.

Today we went on a little road trip to Mt. Pleasant and spent the afternoon with my Brother Chris, and his wife Rachel. They live in a little ol'house there in Mt. Pleasant. Which they are currently renovating one room at a time. Rachel has an awesome sense of design, and her house looks incredible. She has been able to fuse old world, with new to create a shabby chic/garden chic haven. I took a few shots for you, so that you could get a feeling of why it is my favorite this week.

After checking out the house, we went on a drive and ate lunch up the canyon. Nothing like a Sunday drive with a view.

Yes, I finally did it. I bought white jeans. What do you think? Are they me? Do I look ridiculous?

Some grass, paintings and wrinkles.

2009-07-19T18:41:00.001-07:00

Our little seed grass has grown! While it looks nice and thick...

Most of it looks like this. Spotty, and filled with weeds. I'm hoping that it will continue to grow in and the weeds will get pushed out. Its nice having some grass. It feels more like a home!

I have been in a painting mood. I painted the wall in my dining room a darker grey. Although it has turned out a little blue.
On to the other paintings. I have been painting this year. I have found such a sense of accomplishment with every painting I finish. It fuels my creativity and help me focus it on something, rather than a hundred things.
I finished these two a while ago, but finally hung them up today. This is our updated bedroom. It is still in the process of being finished. Maybe I will get some good ideas on the new season of Design Star!

Lastly, I would publicly like to thank my dad for these lovely wrinkles he gave me on my forehead. With out them, I would look so much younger, and more lady like! Thanks Dad!

Our recent adventure

2009-07-09T22:17:00.001-07:00

Do you know where this lovely fountain is? Do you have memories, or perhaps memorabilia/ photos of you sticking your head in this fountain as a child? If so, then you have, #1: Probably grown up in Utah 2: you have visited the Hogle Zoo.

Mushy and I went to the zoo recently, and even brought Mushy's sister, J. While Mushy and I were in agreement that the black bears were the best animals of the day, J loved the penguins. While these were the favorite animals to observe of the day, the photos taken did not do them justice and therefore, will not be posted.

However, these two lovelies were gracious enough to pose for me, and help me get some fab. shots of them. There is something about the distinctive markings on both these animals, that add to their beauty and grace.

We got snow cones........

We tried on some festive hats. I wanted to buy one to work in the garden, but felt like they were a little over priced. Let me know if your going to china town anytime soon!

Over all, a beautiful day at the zoo. There is nothing like spending the afternoon with HUGE exotic and exciting animals to make you feel like a kid again. There were so many times that i found us cooing at one animals or another. I kept shouting for Mushy to come over to where I was to look at the cute animal, and what it was doing. What is it about adorable things that make us feel like we have to call everyone over to take a look? I guess I don't want to be selfish, and I want everyone to feel the excitement and joy that I am feeling at that moment. Thank you mushy for taking me to the zoo, and running around with me like we are a bunch of big kids.

Oh, by the way, I finally cut my hair! Thank you for all the encouragement. I love it, and am much happier. however this picture above does not quite give it justice- so when I get a good one I will post it for you to check out! hope you are all enjoying your summer, and having many small adventures along the way!

favorite of the week #8

2009-06-28T18:35:00.001-07:00

As the summer heat waves start to roll into Utah- Finally- its has made me start looking for paper thin clothing. In my quest, I found this. Which led me to fall in love.

My new Brother in law. ... Ken

2009-06-26T20:57:00.000-07:00

This is posted for my Mom. If you are wondering why, read her comments from my last blog!

Maggie's Wedding

2009-06-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

Maggie got married yesterday. Who is maggie? My big sister! Did you know I had a sister? She is the oldest and I am the youngest. It was so fun to be a part of her big day! She looked beautiful, and more importantly, she looked happy. Maggie never reads this, so I guess this is post is more for me. And the allen girls from Florida. I wish you could have been here too!

This is me and Rachel. We made up our own "bridesmaid" dresses and both wore black. No, we were not bridesmaids. We just decided to impose the title upon ourselves!
Here are my boys. We are missing Benny. Which was too bad, I would have loved to see him too!
The blushing bride and my mom. The girls in the family. Do you think we look alike? I don't see it! The wedding turned out to be such a beautiful day. The weather was great, but mostly it was awesome to see everyone in my family again! Oh how I adore all of them.
Especially Mush Mush. Thanks for helping us with all the wedding stuff all day! You are the best Mush.

Happy Birthday!

2009-06-09T21:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Mushy! We threw a Luau and were all very festive! I hope you liked it Mush! I love you!!

P.S. I am aware that the Yang is getting fat- we are working on it.

One more post....

2009-06-07T19:50:00.001-07:00

I was going to wait- but I am growing anxious and need the mass public opinion! I have come to realize that I HATE having hair. it usually end up in a pony because I can't take it on my face. So of course I would like to cut it all off again! But I don't feel fit to make such a decision! I am an addict when it comes to changing my look- and my hair usually get shorter and shorter and shorter..... So I wanted to put it out there for a vote! You have all seen my with the short hair- and its getting quiet long. But I am wondering if I am destined to never have long hair again. Am I just one of those women who stick with the short hair forever? The top pic is fairly recent, its maybe a half inch longer than that now. And the bottom on is from a couple years ago. What do you think I should do? leave it long? Or chop it off?

a love story.

2009-06-07T19:22:00.001-07:00

I have been reading a book about my grandmas life, written b y my grandma. Who else? She wrote out her memories for her posterity to read, and learn from. Do you know what I learned today? My dad and I both had dogs names Whimpy, when we were little. I also learned that she could never control her weeds until she started to use "Round- Up", which was a new product when she started using it! More than the ins and out of her everyday life, I am learning about her internal strength. Reading her journal entrees from the year her husband passed is heart breaking. Something that hit home to me today is when she talked of all the little things she had cried about in life, and realizing that she had been silly. When faced with living with out her Gove, nothing in the world seemed worth crying over. Her life is a love story. In every part of her being, her faith, and her strength were intertwined with love. It was all for Gove.

I have been pondering about my own life. If someone where to write about my life, what genre would it take on? Romance, comedy, mystery, Sci Fi, Harlequin? (defiantly not the last one!) Is my story one that will be told for years to come? What I can be sure of, is that I would be the heroine of the story. I love the lime light, so its the perfect role for me! I can only hope that I can be as admirable as my grandma is. I hope for a long life full of family, and love. We are all writing our own stories, day by day. What kind of story are you?

Save the Sass for Kass

2009-06-07T13:26:00.001-07:00

Kassie:

I love Kassie's commitment to her husband, her family, and her friends. Kass is the type of woman who does everything 100 %, and once she is committed to you, she will be there forever. I love that after not seeing Kassie for 5 years or so, I could just start talking with her again, like I saw her last week. An eager listener, its easy to open up and share your life with her because you know that she is sincere, and really cares about what you are saying.

Kassie is well spoken , and Strong in her opinions. I have always admired the way that she can get her thoughts across, and never shy away from letting us know exactly where she stands! I hope someday I can be like Kassie, full of confidence, self assurance, and love for others.

Kassie:

I took the liberty of posting a pic of your baby. I can't wait to hear your babies them song. Also- you say that you read these blogs, but you NEVER comment!!!! When are you going to start blogging? We all think your life is interesting and want to hear about EVERYTHING that is going on!!! At least send out an email and let us know if you have found out what you are having yet! I am betting a boy.

For a the full effect copy and paste this link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m38vTNvbM6g

Vitamin E, Its good for the soul.

2009-06-03T20:59:00.000-07:00

Emily:

My Em, yes that is how I think her. Actually I think that is how every one thinks of Emily. What a talent she has, to make those around her feel like they are the coolest person in the room! With such an infectious laughter we can barely get though a story before we are all cackling in hysteria. She is such an inspiration to me. Who decides they are going start training for a marathon one day- and then follows through with so much dedication! Seriously lady- its impressive. But more than that, she inspires me with the dedication she shows to her convictions. She lives her beliefs day in and out, and everything she does is influenced by them. Emily inspires me to be a better person, to be more humble, friendly and loving to others.

"mamma knows baby, mamma knows"

Em, Remember when we made a pact that we would meet at Sonic, the fast food place in Orem? I can't remember the day now of course, but I do remember the anticipation for the day to come. I remember wondering if you would remember to meet me, and thinking that if you did we would become real friends. Not just friends because we were stuck in Paris together, but friends because we wanted to be! I remember my seeing you pull up in your little Jetta, and thinking- "YES- Im not a loser for remembering and waiting here for 10 min."

Thank you for remembering to meet me at sonic, and thanks for the friendship we have had through the years. You are the best, in the West....... ( I think we know who the best North, East and South are...)

Step#2- A wee bit of seed

2009-06-02T18:22:00.000-07:00

Mushy and I have been working very hard in our yard lately. Then next step to our masterpiece has been completed, and we laid some seed! Call us old fashioned, or just cheap. But we thought trying some seed was the way to go! I will post when we start seeing some growth.

An update on the front door. It is now grey. What do you think? Mushy really misses the Red. he thought it was fun to be different than ever other house in the neighborhood. Even my neighbor weighed in on the door dilemma today. When reading this dialog, keep in mind that he his British with a thick accent.

neighbor:"yer painted yer dur"

me: "yeah- we did."

Neighbor: " I liked the Red"

me: "Yeah we kind of miss the red too."

neighbor: "yer should paint it back"

me: "we'll see! you never know what color it will be next week"

So that was pretty much the conversation. Please keep in mind this was the first time I have talked with him! It was very nice introduction! What do you think? Do you like the grey? Scroll down to one of my older posts the compare to the red!

Queen B.

2009-05-31T17:45:00.000-07:00

Bekah:

A combination of smooth, silky speech, beautiful stories, and inspiring ambition. Bekah is the type of person that makes you feel smart, funny a special all at the same time. But in actuality, every one who comes into contact with Bekah, walks away aspiring to be a better person. She is creative, beautiful and genuine. Now that she is a mother, she has only grown in her strength and influence. Thank you for being such a strong example of strength, compassion and humility.

Remember that one time, when we went to Florence together? That has some pretty spectacular memories. I don't think I have ever eaten so much in a weekend. Talk about a perma bloat. Do you remember our morning "hot chocolate"? It was like chugging from a Hershey syrup bottle! p.s. Thanks for letting me in on that little adventure!

Just a little Patience

2009-05-28T13:29:00.001-07:00

I remember meeting Patience in Paris, and thinking she was defiantly the most coolest girl I had ever met. I distinctly remember writing in my journal, that I hoped she would find me interesting enough to be my friend! I love her humor, her wit, her honesty and especially her sincerity. Patience is very smart, and has a way of speaking that really draws you into what she is saying. I love how she is so willing to love and accept every one, not because she has to, but she truly wants to love and serve those around her! Patience shows so much love for her family and friends, and she even showed a little love to the ying and the yang. They welcome her back anytime!

Oh Patience- look at your bangs! You looked so spunky! A very good representation of the fire cracker you really are!

Favorite of the week # 7

2009-05-26T17:36:00.000-07:00

Old Friends:

A few weeks ago, I had the great privilege of hanging out with a fabulous group of ladies. Some women that I met while studying in Paris, 6 years ago! In the past six years we have all gone in different directions, all married. Some have kids- or are in the process of a growing family. It was a complete delight to find that I still felt so connected to each one. I have not seen some of them for years and years, and it felt like it had only been a week or so. Since being married I have often felt like I have married my best friend, but that I have no "friends." I know that I could focus on work less, and make more of an effort to meet new people, and develop relationships. but I have found it hard, and sometimes lonely. Thank you ladies for helping me remember that I am fun, that I have a voice, that is worth listening to! And for making me feel cool- cool enough to hang out with you! I have written a little ode to each of you and will post them every couple days!

Step #1

2009-05-22T09:35:00.001-07:00

The 1st step to our house being fabulous is complete. The front porch. I finally filled my planters yesterday, after sitting empty for a year or so. I think I am going t re-paint my front door again. While it has been fun to have the ONLY red door in the neighborhood- feel like its messing up the color flow of the house. So I was thinking of a dark grey maybe. What do you think?

I even used used water efficient plants!
More pictures of the yard to come. We are working on a retaining wall for the back yard this weekend. Well, Mushy is working on it, I have to work the entire weekend. Have I mentioned lately that I love Retail?

Maybe next week.....

2009-05-16T20:37:00.000-07:00

"Maybe next week" has been our mantra when it comes to yard work. This week, "maybe next week" turned into, " This is the week" While I would like to say it is because we have become extra motivated individuals, who discovered their green thumbs late in life. Its just not true. We got a letter- that was slightly more than encouraging.

I don't see what the big deal is....... our weeds were not THAT out of control!

So today turned into the all day marathon weed pulling extravaganza! After a long week at work, and the weed pulling extravaganza, I feel my body revoulting against me. It has taken advantage of my weakness, and craved food that I would never eat in my right mind. Like KFC & beef. Which after eating both times, reminded me as to why I never it them. So wish my little body good luck with the turmoil it is sure to endure as we refine our unnatural gardening talents!

Avenues

2009-05-12T20:12:00.000-07:00

This mothers day we got to do one of our favorite things. We went on a walk though the Avenues in Salt Lake. I was inspired by all the beautiful landscaping. I think Mushy was too, because he has been very focused on our "Weed Problem" this week.

Nothing like a good self taken picture. Mushy looks so cute in this picture. I LOVE you babe! Also, on a side note- this is the first time my nose has ever looked big. Maybe I have been fooling myself all these years into thinking I had a petite nose. I guess they say that ears and noses never stop growing, so maybe I should get ready for a long life of nose growing.

" I love you a bushel and a peck, a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck"

My grandma used to sing this song to me when I was little. She would wrap my little arms around her neck and give me a big kisses every time the song said "peck". Mushy looks at me a bit crazy when I try this routine out on him, but I figure I need to teach him now so he can help pass it on to our babies. Oh how I love my Grandma. She is such a wonderful woman. She has had a very long- 95 years- life. She was widowed early, and never took off her wedding band. She is a tremendous example of faith, disapline, and love. I hope I can make her proud someday, and that my life will be as full as hers. I love you grandma!

Also- I did not get a picture of my mom on Mothers day, so I pulled on from our Grand Canyon trip. For mothers day I gave my mom a handmade short story. It was titled, "Why my Mom is the BOMB . com." It was hard explaining to my dad what that meant. Its true though, I really do love my mom. She has always been a mom first and a friend second. I could never ask for anything more from her. She is such a great listener, and she gives me the best advice. She continues to share her love and knowledge with me. I will never grow to old to be held by her and cuddled. (Although I think I am a bit to large for her lap now." I can only hope that someday when I am a mom, that I can teach my babes to be as loving and kind as my mom continues to teach me. I love you mom- I hope you had a great Mothers day, surrounded by those who love you!

Favorite of the week # 6

2009-05-06T21:30:00.000-07:00

Today I had some time to kill between doing a little photo shoot and picking up Mushy from work, and thought I would play around with my camera a bit. I learned how to use my self timer on my camera last weekend, and so I finally got to shoot at this warehouse; that I have been dying to use as a backdrop! So the Favorite of the week is.... the self timer on my camera! Yeah!

Coming soon......

2009-05-04T20:27:00.000-07:00

ladies,

you know who you are...... stay posted for a very fun, and sappy set of posts!

J's Grad. Party!

2009-04-29T09:31:00.000-07:00

J graduated from BYU last week! I am so proud of her! She is the first College graduate in her family- EVER! She is so inspiring, and such an example. Congrats J- we love you!
In celebration of her graduation, we hosted a nice grad party for her @ our house, that was very fun!

I need....

2009-04-22T21:47:00.000-07:00

The time has come; where I feel as though it is time to get a hobby. Something that I can spend time doing, and feel uplifted and involved. Something that has nothing to do with work........ since I have become a bit of a work nut. What are your hobbies? Have you picked up anything in your adult life that you never thought you would like? Throw some ideas out for me.......... maybe I will try every thing, and keep you posted!

Favorite of the week # 5

2009-04-12T12:49:00.001-07:00

Mushy and I found this living room while looking for new homes on the web. Can you pick out my favorite part?

p.s. I couldn't stop myself from copying the image and posting it ASAP!

ode to little red.

2009-04-06T20:36:00.000-07:00

We finally sold my little red! I had it for a couple years, and it was terrible in the snow. It was very sad. So I bought a practical car for Utah, last Jan. ( more to come on that a bit later!) But for now, I just wanted to say. I loved you little red. You smelled yummy, like leather and suede. I loved your heated seats, and your sporty pedals. I will miss you!

CHET

2009-04-02T15:48:00.000-07:00

Can I just say, that I am not a huge fan of CHET. For those of you who don't know him, he was on the Real World, on MTV this past season. Outspoken, and defiantly over dressed, Chet is an LDS boy from SLC. He spoke openly about being LDS, and his values. He did a good job keep up with his strong values while on the show.

I never saw him drinking, smoking, or doing anything inappropriate with anyone else. For those of you who remember Julie, from the New Orleans. You will remember that she did not keep up with her faith. After her season ended, she openly poked fun at the church, and her former religion.

Anyway, back to CHET. He did stay true to himself the entire show, which was cool. I just found him irritating. I also found EVERY wardrobe choice he made irritating.

Did you watch this season? If you didn't, your not missing much. But if you did, what did you think of CHET?

Favorite of the week # 4

2009-03-31T20:41:00.000-07:00

I found a cool article in one of my favorite magazines this week,

Click here for a link.

How to Clean Your House Naturally

I feel like its time for some really good spring cleaning. Which brings me to my favorite item of the week. Every time I open the lid and tear off my very own sheet of disinfecting goodness, I feel a bit of satisfaction. " Take that nasty bathroom floor, I win!" I like the smell it leaves behind too.

Favorite of the week # 3

2009-03-22T10:14:00.000-07:00

This week I did not have to wear 2 sweaters, and a coat. Not even 1 sweater and a coat. This week, I had the priveledge of ditching the coat and wearing only 1 sweater- which I took off most days because I got too warm.
What was it about this week that made it so extrodinary?

The Sun.

Here is my top ten reasons that I love the sun.
1- sunglasses (look how happy "The Ying is in the Sun)

2- laying on a sun drenched sidewalk after getting out of a swimming pool.
3- flowers
4-sunsets

5- its much easier to get up and go to work in the morning when the sun is shining.
6- freckles (mine show up only when they see the sun a lot)
7- rainbows
8- shadows/ contrast.

9- spending my lunch break in my car. so I can bask in the warmth.
10- life ( nothing would be possible with out it, would it?)

Favorite of the week # 2

2009-03-12T15:15:00.000-07:00

yellow.
There is really only 1 good time of year to wear yellow. The time is now! As we are waiting for those tulip buds to burst out of the frozen ground, and want to roll our windows down to enjoy the sunshine when it hits 55 degrees outside. Yellow is that great spring time staple that doesn't shove you out of winter and into summer. But Lazily prods you along, as you strip off your winter coats- don your light sweaters and embrace this awkward season, we call spring!

Example # 1:
Let me start of by saying that the boyfriend sweater should really be a favorite of the week all on its own, but in this example i love how the yellow is mixed with the grey. Giving people like me, who usually only wear black, cream, and grey, a little comfort while still pushing us to try new things.

Example # 2:
There are no words. Only a slight drop of the jaw , and a slight caress of the monitor when this came up. I LOVE IT!

p.s. I am thinking of trying out white jeans this spring. If I decide to be daring enough I will make a post- maybe it will even be a favorite of the week!

Pay it forward- don't miss out!

2009-03-06T21:39:00.000-08:00

Pay it Foward!
Let's have a little fun shall we?

Pay it forward...The rules
1. Be one of the first THREE (3) bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me - something crafty or yummy, only I know.
2. Winners must post this challenge on their blog, meaning that they will Pay IT Forward, creating a handmade gift- anything! for the first THREE (3) bloggers who leave a comment on their post about the giveaway!
3. The gift that you send to your friends can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make and/ or ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember: it's the spirit and the thought that counts!
4. When you receive your gift, feel free to post about it, sharing appropriate pictures and comments! If you are not one of the first three to comment on this post, you can still play along. Go ahead and start your own Pay It Forward chain, and encourage your friends to do the same!SO, REMEMBER...Pay It Forward!Let's help make this a wonderful world to live in and show our friends how much we care for them :)

Favorite of the week

2009-03-05T15:43:00.001-08:00

I have decided to start sharing my favorite item of the week. Who knows, maybe it will inspire you to see something in a different light, and find a little more joy in everyday living.

My First favorite, and the inspiration for the new trend....

i bought these lovelys at TJ Max. They are crisp, clean and still bright. I can't not stop looking at them hanging on my stove handle, and smiling.

Mommy's play date.

2009-02-26T11:50:00.000-08:00

So, I have this week off, and I have been wondering what to do with my self. I was outside sitting in one of my front porch rockers, just enjoying the sunshine. When I saw all of these women pulling up to the house across the street. Some of them were pushing strollers, some of them drove. I realized I was witnessing a day in the life of the stay at home mom. At least the stay at home mom in my neighborhood. As I sat an rocked I wondered what it would be like if I had a baby. Would these women wave and shout a hello my way ( which, even though they clearly saw me, they did not wave or shoot any salutations) would they invite me over for..... who know what? Baby weighing contests? Little baby parades? Pageants? All I know, is that for me. Little ole' me. Mommy of two dogs, full time worker, and a wife. That the world of mommies is a complete mystery to me.

notice to the woman getting out of her car, and NOT waving at me.

New office.....

2009-02-26T11:45:00.001-08:00

Well, you all saw the chocolate..... cave. I didn't know what to do with it, and after trying many different things, I decided to paint it again. Here is the result. It still needs a bed, or a little couch or something. but overall, we like it much better!

Addiction.

2009-02-17T22:40:00.001-08:00

I am slightly embarrassed that my last two posts are pretty much dedicated to sweets, and desserts. I guess the first step to recovery is admitting there is a problem........

V-Day!

2009-02-17T22:24:00.000-08:00

Mushy and I never really do anything for Valentines day. I usually schedule myself to close that night, so that my team can go be lovey dovey. We feel like we always let each other know how we feel, we do nice things for each other, and never go with out a special treat now and again. So we don't really feel the need to spend a alot of money, and hang out with a billion other people on valentines day. But I must admit, that after carrying a very cute, thoughtful and lovely card that I picked out for my hubby, almost 2 weeks in advance, that I was wishing that maybe we would celebrate too. All night at work, I was so excited to give him the card I picked out, and secretly wished that he would do something unexpected for me. I knew deep down in my heart however, that my practical husband would stick to his guns, and not get me anything.
When I got home that night, and I excitedly told him I got him something. " Muffin, he sighed, are you going to make me feel bad for not getting you anything again this year?" I told him he had nothing to worry about, but that I saw the card, and could not resist. He liked the card, and we hung it on the fridge. Then almost 15 min later, I opened the fridge to get a glass of chocolate milk, and there, sitting on the bottom shelf was a card. The letter M. was printed on top, and it was taped to some type of packaging. My face must have looked nuts, I was so excited. I pulled out the box and inside was ..........

My favorite kind of cheese cake ever! We only have 1 cheesecake factory in Utah, and its 1 hour away. And there was a 45 min wait , once you were in line for pick up, until you could get your order. But my unassuming, sneaky Mushy, made the trek, and picked me up something, that he knew would be special to me. And you know what happened. I fell in love all over again. I guess that is what Valentines day is all about.

Sweet tooth + Las vegas =

2009-02-11T20:38:00.000-08:00

Also known as the Buffet dessert bar!

California

2009-02-04T07:56:00.000-08:00

The secrets to a great road trip....

2009-02-02T21:05:00.000-08:00

The Ying and I.

2009-01-21T21:51:00.000-08:00

I love the photo booth on my Mac. It helps me capture little moments like this. The ying likes to hang out with me while I am online. I think she likes the rythmic typing of the keyboard. I can see her nodding off to sleep out of the corner of my eye.
Today I had a funny memory of Paris. Eating Greek Food, and French Fries. I never cared for the combination myself, so I seemed to always pass on the fries. I wonder how our brains can store so much forgotten information, only to bring it up at the most random of times.

The annual cold...

2008-12-29T16:08:00.000-08:00

It seems that every year I hold off getting sick until after the holidays- and then WHAM! All of this pent up sick gets to me, and knocks me off my feet. Today I either been in bed- or in Bed- all day. Either "The Yang" is sick too, or he is just trying to help me feel better by hanging out with my all day. But he has hardly left my side, or lap! Who wouldn't feel a little better after getting cuddled all day long? Thanks buddy!

The Allen Family.

2008-12-29T15:57:00.001-08:00

It was so fun to see my brother and his family for the holidays this year! I got to take their family pictures, which i thought turned out great! They are such a lovely family. I will miss you, but I have almost convinced the Mushy that Disney World-is on the agenda.

The season is almost over.....

2008-12-26T18:12:00.001-08:00

We had a very fun Christmas this year. On Christmas eve we had Mushy's family over. We had great food, and watched the Dark night. Well, everyone else watched it. I alternated between sleeping, and then I would wake up-eat something- and fall asleep again. It was a very enjoyable movie!
On Christmas, we hung out with my family. My brothers family that we rarely see got to be in town, so it was an extra large group of us this year. We all took turns opening presents, laughing, and feeling sentimental. I love to see Mushy interact with my family. He is so loving and kind to the little ones, and Grandma. And he can fit in with the teasing brothers, and hold his own.

My favorite part about Christmas with Mushy, is spending so much time with him. I don't remember the last day off we had together. It must have been weeks ago. We slept in until almost 11:00, exchange presents, gave the puppies there Christmas morning treats, and then got back into bed to cuddle and start watching our new House series. It was our 4th Christmas together. Every Christmas Mushy gives me presents that are similar to things I have pointed out to him. But he never gives me the exact same items. don't know how he does it, but he always finds a different style or design that I have never seen- and of course I always end up loving it even more than the original! This year I got some boots and a bracelet! I loved both of them- they are perfect!

This year, I could not find anything good to give Mushy. I decided I was going to give him a leather jacket. And then he bought it himself. Then, I decided to get him a new x-box game. and he borrowed it from someone at work. I got him a couple shirts from the Gap, and he bought them the same day! At this point I was exhausted! I didn't know what to do- but then a light bulb went off. He always complained that his Ipod was dying at work. So I hopped into the apple store, and found an Ipod Charger that could hook straight up to the wall-it did not even need the computer! I was so excited! I was convinced that he did not even know that this existed, otherwise he would have bought it for himself! So as I sat anxiously awaiting for him to open I could not help myself, and I told him that "this was the best idea that I had ever had!" I just knew that he would love it, and would think I was the smartest, and most observant wife ever. And so as he opened it, I blurted out what it was and why it was so great. Mushy looked at me with big eyes that seemed to apologize, and said " I know, I have one at work."
And just like that, I knew...I would never surprise him again.

Help!

2008-12-15T20:40:00.000-08:00

My office is the last room in the house that is not "complete" I really wanted to do something bold so I painted it chocolate. Now its bold-and still boring. I think I need a new desk, and a maybe a love seat or something. I don't know what to do with this room now! Please, someone give me some guidance!

X-mas & the final product.

2008-12-15T20:12:00.000-08:00

What a fun holiday season this has been. We have two Christmas trees this year, so our house is feeling very festive!

Thank you for all your input on what pictures we should use in the loft. The 2nd set lost, but I couldn't leave it behind, and ended up using it in our Bedroom!

The majority voted for the last set, which Mushy was very pleased with! We love how they turned out, and our loft feels a little more like home now.

advice for the loft!

2008-11-26T19:35:00.001-08:00

I am enlarging some pictures for the loft. I need a set of four. Which set is your favorite?

or....

or....

a little bit of robins egg blue....

2008-11-24T19:56:00.000-08:00

There is nothing that hits the spot like that little blue box, with a white ribbon. Topping this years wish list.....

gossip girl.....

2008-11-17T18:31:00.001-08:00

I, for one, was very dissapointed in Serena's Thanksgiving outfit this year.

spanish fork?

2008-11-11T20:57:00.000-08:00

I ran into a friend from a few years back last weekend. When i told him what was new with me and my hub bub, including the news that we owned a home in Spanish Fork I was shocked by his reply! "Spanish Fork? He replied, I never pictured you as the type of person to live in Spanish fork!" and then followed it up by saying, "jeez I thought you were a big city type of girl."
Lame- I thought to myself, even someone I havn't seen in 4 years knows that I am definatley too big for my little town. Then I thought to my self- whatever. I am happy with the small town muffy. Mostly because I get to be with the small town Mushy. What about you? Are you where you thought you would be? Or still planning where you will end up?

This is my house in the little city.

This is me in a big city.

Kylee's baptism

2008-11-03T15:04:00.000-08:00

My niece, Kylee got baptized last weekend. The night consisted of the baptism of course, as well as Muffy cuddling with Mushy and mom, dad tossing emotions back and forth while listening to the BYU Game, and Chris getting beat up by a bunch a little girls.

new dishes....

2008-11-03T14:56:00.000-08:00

So these dishes were super cheap at work. I bought a set of 24 thinking they would be great holiday dinner party dishes. But I have gotten feedback that they look like sea shell 80's plates! what do you think? Should I keep them or take them back?

Our halloween!

2008-11-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

We dressed up as Chris and Rachel for Halloween!

The luckiest.

2008-10-28T20:14:00.000-07:00

I am so lucky to have mushy. Here is our fall family portrait - sans ying and yang.

Lost loves.....

2008-10-23T14:07:00.001-07:00

I found out the other day that you can take your negatives to Costco and they will put them on a disk for you! It was much cheaper than I thought it would be. After I got the disk back I was going through the pics and thought I would share a couple of them with you. I found so many that had been forgotten, how sad! It funny how attached we get to certain images. Maybe we remember the way it smelled, and what kind of weather it was when we took it. The feeling we had standing before something beautiful. Or we remember where we were in life, and where we thought we were going. Well for these pics I was away in Europe. I loved the detail and history around every corner. Every frame has its special little story. I'll post some more from my next batch. In the mean time I think you should all post a meaningful picture to you. I want to know how you were feeling at the time and why its so special! Leave me a comment telling me all about it!

love or ocd?

2008-10-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

Mushy re-organized my closet. He then gave me a lesson on how to keep it organized. I love the new layout of the closet, but I have to wonder..... Did he do this because he loves me? He knew that every woman would dream to have a big closet with well organized clothing filling it up? Or did he do this because my side of the closet was driving him nuts, and after two years of taking it he finally gave in and spent the afternoon organizing? Well either way, I love it! Thanks Mushy!

A new veiw.

2008-10-03T21:25:00.000-07:00

The Avenues.... part 2.

2008-09-07T17:54:00.000-07:00

Today Mushy and I went to the Avenues. It was my Grandmas 95th birthday! I can't even imagine, or comprehend that amount of time. She is a wonderful woman. I have always had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with her. and I am thankful that she made the time to spend with us while we were growing up. Now that I am older I see her strength and only hope that I can be strong throughout my life too.
Happy birthday Grandma!

Since the Avenues is one of my favorite places EVER, I always take pictures of our adventure. These are my favorite from today.

2 years....already?

2008-08-25T23:12:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time there was a girl named Muffy,

and a boy named Mushy.

One day, aug. 26, 2006 to be exact. They were married.

Today, two years later, the Muffy wanted to let the Mushy know, that she loves him very much. He is everything to her. and that she would be lost with out him........so its a good thing that he is near.

The Ying and the Yang

2008-08-09T23:18:00.000-07:00

THE YING

and THE YANG

Old friends.

2008-08-07T20:50:00.000-07:00

Last night Aaron and I had the chance to hang out with all the guys he hung out with growing up. They are all married now, some have kids. Some still play the most hilarious pranks (hense the giant brown bear), some are moving on with grown up jobs, while others are still finishing up school. But they all have a fountain of hilarious memories of each other, I love hearing them crack up as they tell about what it was like growing up in their neighbor hood. What they did for fun, the games they made up, the campouts they went on. The stories are endless. I have a sense of loss, that I missed so many years of my husbands life. I wish I was there for all of them. Although if I was there, I am sure they would have ganged up on me, and pushed me off into the rose bushes in a mean game of blanket tag! Good luck to the familys moving out of state! And thank you to all for helping me get a to hear about piece of Aarons youth.

Before and after...Bathroom Edition.

2008-06-29T20:42:00.000-07:00

Our Master bathroom prodject is finally coming to a close! I still have a little bit of last minute details to add, an accessory here and there, But I could not wait to post these!
So here is the before.....a little dark and dreary..

And after.....a real bathroom, like a grown up would have!

Do you think its an improvment?

Aaron.....

2008-06-14T20:47:00.000-07:00