All Is Love

Lullabye II & How We Woke Up

2012-02-08T21:28:00.001-07:00

by The Moth & the Flame

Shadow Puppets by Book on Tapeworm

2012-02-08T21:23:00.000-07:00

By the way, this may be old news to many of you, but Book on Tapeworm is really, really good!
I could've listen to Scott's Shepard's voice all night.
Here's a sample:

Life according to my ipod

2012-02-08T21:17:00.000-07:00

Moi.

Firehouse Subs! Really, really good sammiches!

Also, sporting an awesome soda fountain!

Joe's cafe with Hannah, Sean, Josie and Calvin.

Grits, biscuits & gravy and southern, comfort food!

Tan fake-bans, awwyeah!

Cat in a bag & my audition dress. I scored it for over half of its originally price!

Lovely, lovely!

New IKEA duvet cover.

Moth & the Flame at Velour for Slumber Party.

Book on Tapeworm also played. They were wonderful!

Really good Vegetarian burger from an Indian Grill. Yes, it has noodles in it.

Surprising and delicious.

Calvin and I went to see our friend, Landon, play at Muse in his band "Dreameater."

The talented Landon

So, this has been my life lately. Hopefully, I'll get better at posting. Maybe these type of posts will make it easier.... we'll see.

New Additions to my library

2012-02-08T20:58:00.000-07:00

There's really nothing like buying new books!

I love these clothbound Classics at Barnes & Noble.

Welcome Jane Eyre and Wind in the Willows.

I had been wanting one of these journals for a long time. Hannah got me one for Christmas!

One for me and one for her!

Michelangelo's poetry is surely something to behold!

"As a flame grows more, the more it's buffeted

by the wind, every virtue that heaven extols

shines more, the more it is assaulted."

Veganomicon!! I've heard many great things about this cookbook!

Very excited to try it out.

I did not buy this lovely book....yet.

It was so very beautifully illustrated, it must soon become part of my collection.

Now for a second bookshelf... haha!

Happy Birthday Miss Courtney!

2012-02-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

My dear friend and business partner, Courtney's birthday was on Sunday.

We celebrated by spending a quiet day with just us girls and the kids. Chatting, watching movies, painting our nails with silver glitter nail polish, and going on a long drive.

I made this Honeybun Cake for her, which I found on pinterest awhile back. It was so tasty and delicious! Also, very, very easy! I highly recommend it!

a touch of red

2012-01-19T20:43:00.002-07:00

I'm in love with these!

I'm such a sucker for accented neutrals...

(As seen on dustjacket attic)

Golden Globes Favorites

2012-01-17T21:42:00.001-07:00

Emma Stone looking amazing in Lanvin

Angelina Jolie wearing Versace

Claire Danes wearing J. Mendel

Dianna Agron wearing Giles

Michelle Williams wearing Chanel

Charlize Theron in Dior

Tilda Swinton looking like she stepped right off the runway in Haider Ackermann

This is just cool!

Mermaid dress of feathers, sequins, scales!

Evan Rachel Wood in Gucci

Missi Pyle

Salma Hayak in Gucci

Who were your favorites?

The day we catapulted bread at the ducks.

2012-01-16T19:44:00.001-07:00

Sketchy Hostess shop. SO SKETCHY.

We got out of the car and heard gunshots. Okay, it probably wasn't gunshots, but still....

I never want to taste the magic of meat snacks. Ew.

Pay a dollar for a whole bag of stale bread. Hours of fun.

(Or however long it takes you to throw it all at the ducks.)

Frozen Utah Lake

Frozen

2012-01-16T13:49:00.000-07:00

Hannah and I headed to Utah Lake to go exploring. Have you ever been out to the lake while it's frozen? Its really cool! I started unearthing all the rocks from the ice...just because... We named it "Ice-Rocking". Haha!

Ice Javelin!

Ice Baseball!

I was...really happy about the Ice, i guess.

I started pretending to be paparazzi, taking lots of pictures of Hannah doing her hair.

It took her awhile to realize what I was doing.

Christmas

2012-01-16T13:21:00.000-07:00

So I've sucked majorly at updating this blog.

I was going to do some posts...and then school started and I still hadn't done any.
*Sigh*

Christmas was wonderful, though! Here's proof according to my iPod:

The family and I headed to Salt Lake to see the lights on temple square. As tradition requires, we had dinner at Siegfried's after.

So good, it almost reminds me of real German food!

. . . . .

Eddington Christmas party always features inexplicable oddities...

I really don't know...

Velvet Santa Boxers, anyone?

Baby Isla modeling the Santa boxers

Grandma & Grandpa

. . . . .

Christmas Tree

Christmas Quiche

Scott & Ami and our Weihnachtspyramid

Tonk's Christmas Present

. . . . .
Present for Friends:

Awwyeah! Real Unicorn Farts.

Cassie Got me OXFORDS!
I've been wanting them for so long!

Present for Dad. Neil Young, of course.
And Patti: Neko Case!
We got a little lazy with our wrapping.

Love this movie!

My sister made me some face moisturizer out of
Hazelnut Oil, Lavender, & Tea Tree Oil.
Hippie Magic!!

View of Riverwoods from Dad's house:

A very lovely Christmas with family!

The Burrow?

2011-12-09T11:41:00.000-07:00

I believe I may have found the Weasley's house.

A bit misplaced though.

Who put it in Detroit?

I saw this among a few other ruined buildings

in Ruins of Detroit.

I know its unusual, but I look at these distressed buildings and all I think is "How beautiful!"

I wonder what the stories behind these buildings are. And what they look like now.

I wish more buildings around here were preserved and restored to keep their original splendour. Instead of being torn down to be something new and boring and "unfeeling."

IKEA Engagements

2011-11-22T12:32:00.000-07:00

I love this engagement session by Trevor Christsensen

So, so cute and fun!

Adorable, no?

Guate-boyfriend

2011-11-21T07:00:00.001-07:00

Boyfriend and I have been dating for one month, today.

Boyfriend is also in Guatemala with his family, having all sorts of adventures.

He comes home on Friday and I'm so excited to see him!

Time speed up.

So happy!

They got to release baby sea turtles into the ocean!

So Jealous.

I asked boyfriend to bring one home for me, but he said he didn't have any turtle leashes.

New Things...

2011-11-20T21:53:00.002-07:00

One...
My best friend, Hannah, is finally, finally, FINALLY engaged!!
I'm so happy and excited for Hannah and Sean. They really are perfect for each other!
I love them both! And I love seeing Hannah so happy!

Gorgeous, gorgeous ring!!

The proposal happened on 11.11.11.

(Hannah's favorite number is eleven)

And naturally, Steve Jobs was part of the proposal. So Sean.

(Sean=brown Steve Jobs. Its true!)

Two...

Maybe its better to explain with a picture...

I had a huge, fatty crush on Calvin when I was 15...and 16...and 17.

And now I'm dating him!

Crazy.

He's also...

Sean's brother. Haha!

That's right. I'm dating my best friend's fiance's brother.

Basically, its the best!

And he's the best! I love spending every day with him!

He is such a sweetie and oh, so handsome!

flower frenzy

2011-11-20T21:07:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of bloggage lately.

I've been so stinkin' busy! When I'm not in a flower frenzy, i'm catching up on school work and performing in concerts. It's great, but I've hardly had time to breathe!

We've had a pretty steady flow of weddings at The Fleurist. So much fun!

Here are some of my favorite creations, of late.

Visit le blog to see more!

2011-11-18T15:20:00.000-07:00

I've never been very good at keeping a journal. However, I feel like if I had a journal like this which spans five years, It would allow me more thoughtful journal entries and make it more fun!

Christmas, anyone?

Haute & Naughty

2011-11-07T11:48:00.000-07:00

I've been searching for the perfect mascara for a long time. Every time, I ran out I'd try a new one and it was always a grocery store kind. I was never amazed or satisfied with any of them.
Finally, Annie, did a spotlight on MAC's False Lashes Mascara. I decided to splurge a little and give MAC a try. Except I bought the Haute & Naughty Lash. Oh my goodness! It's amazing! I love it because it has two wands so your lashes can be natural and feathery... or dark and dramatic. I've learned that, in the case of mascara, you really do get what you pay for.

Ode to Fall

2011-10-28T12:22:00.001-06:00

This really is the best time of year!

I look forward to it all year long because I can put to good use the completely necessary abundance of my scarf collection. And Jackets. ...and cardigans.... and tights. Which is basically all my wardrobe is made up of.

"Autumn wins you best by this its mute appeal to sympathy for its decay."

Robert Browning

Must Try: Nutella Stuffed Custard French Toast

2011-10-25T12:40:00.000-06:00

I saw these on pinterest, which lead me to this blog.

Recipe calls for syrup, but i think that's probably completely unnecessary!

4 slices Texas Toast
2 eggs
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/8 cup powdered sugar
4 Tbsp Nutella
maple syrup
fresh fruit

Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium low heat. In a bowl whisk together the eggs, cream, and powdered sugar. Take 2 slices of the Texas Toast and spread 1 Tbsp of Nutella on each one. Sandwich together and dip both sides in the custard mixture. Grill on each side until brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and serve immediately with maple syrup or fresh fruit.

Strangest Feeling

2011-10-19T22:34:00.000-06:00

from a new favorite blog

Le Love,

which is made up of reader submissions

on their views, thoughts, confessions and experiences in love.

Bad Lip Reading

2011-10-19T22:15:00.000-06:00

This is my new favorite thing.
My favorites are Rick Perry and Mitt Romney.
But you should watch all of them.

A few choice snippets:
"I will force spiders and badgers on the enemy...and get 'em all to shut up."
"If Madonna married a real giant, that would be good."
"Happy Stepchild"

More choice snippets:
"Ice Cream. That is cheap. Fact."
"And then I suspended Marsha off this bridge and took a virgin heffer night ridin' for awhile. We never got a dead spirit. We hated it though."
"What's good is to get these goats for our computer industry."
"Save a Pretzel for the gas jets!"

Real Men

2011-10-13T11:59:00.000-06:00

turning point...

2011-10-12T21:17:00.003-06:00

The past few days have been so amazing. I have noticed the Lord's hand in my life and have felt his loving guidance so strongly. It's impossible for me to be angry or upset at anyone because I am so filled with the Lord's love for me and for everyone else. He loves us all so much. Its overwhelming. He is so interested in our lives and he knows us each individually and has a plan for each of us. And its better than anything we could have ever come up with ourselves.
I've been praying everyday that he might guide me to help and serve those who are in need of comfort and reminders of their Heavenly Father's love for them. Yesterday I was moved to talk to this girl in one of my classes. I had no idea why, but after talking to her I realized that her situation is so unique that It is no mere coincidence that I felt moved to talk to her. I knew I was supposed to help her. My heart was breaking for her, but at that moment I felt an added purpose in my life.
I may not know the full reason for all my difficulties and trials of late. I know I will understand at some point. What I do know is that the Lord has been preparing me to help his other children, such as this girl.

It just emphasized something that I've always known, but I guess I needed to be reminded. Nothing is ever trivial! Everything happens for a reason. But the Lord is in control. He loves us and has planned wonderful and amazing things for each one of us!
Goodness! How I love the gospel! So, these past few days have been a sort of turning point for me from my present trials. Of course, I'm still hurt but I'm beginning to pick myself back up again. I know that if I focus on serving others, then the Lord can take my hurt away.

Its such an amazing feeling, to feel such love for everyone around me. It reminded me of one of my favorite quotes by C.S. Lewis. I hope to never treat any person as "a mere mortal". We are all beloved children of our Heavenly Father and we have divine potential.

Bridgette's Birthday Timez!

2011-10-11T11:35:00.000-06:00

Last night was Bridgette's birthday dinner at Pizzeria 712. If you haven't been to this restaurant you seriously need to. All local and organic pizzas baked in a wood burning oven.

Hummus and pita bread appetizers, AND....Rose Lemonade!!

Plus, they have the coolest bathrooms. And I totally judge a restaurant by the aesthetic-ness of their bathrooms.

I'm stealing some of Hannah's instagram pictures of the night to show you lovely folks.

"It's my birthday. I can drink all the Rose Lemonades I want."

Pokemon Trainer Hannah.

Moi.

Elie Saab Spring 2012 RTW

2011-10-06T11:27:00.000-06:00

I swear Elie Saab designs his lines only for me.

I sit here drooling.

EVERY TIME!

Christian Dior Spring 2012 RTW

2011-10-03T11:59:00.000-06:00

2011-09-30T13:22:00.000-06:00

the Lord's plan

2011-09-30T10:02:00.003-06:00

This past month has been full of so many things:

Emotions (more than I've ever felt in my life). Sleepless nights. Challenges (more than I would like). Emptiness. Pain. Loneliness. A love that is still strong, but unwanted. A new void that I feel is eating me inside out.

I know that I wouldn't have made it through this past month, if I didn't have wonderful friends who are ready at any and every hour for priesthood blessings, cakes and goodies, long conversations into the middle of the night, days of distractions, and letting me crash on their couch when I didn't want to be alone with my thoughts.

The most frustrating and confusing thing about my whole situation is bringing my feelings and thoughts to some sort of reconciliation. Why did everything feel so right and so good if it wasn't supposed to be? What was I supposed to learn from this experience?

I don't know that i'll be finding these answers any time soon.

In one of the blessings I received, I was told to fill this new void with the Lord. Learning about his life and feeling his love more for me.

I know that as long as I continue doing this and trust in him, all will be well.

His plan is always best. He knows us individually, better than anyone else knows us.

I truly did not start writing this post with the intention of talking about this.

Apparently, I needed to get my thoughts out though.

Someone Like You

2011-09-15T20:15:00.000-06:00

I've listened to this song probably a billiondy times in the past week.

Carolina Herrera Spring 2012 RTW

2011-09-15T12:38:00.001-06:00

Lela Rose Spring 2012 RTW

2011-09-14T12:55:00.000-06:00

Gorgeous Color blocking

Duro Oluwu Spring 2012 RTW

2011-09-14T12:45:00.002-06:00

I love how fun and feminine this is!

I love the bright, floral patterns and sheer, flouncy skirts.

Enjoy!

My favorite!

Bibhu Mohapatra Spring 2012 RTW

2011-09-14T12:32:00.000-06:00

Love the pants!

Childhood Dreams Come True

2011-09-14T11:47:00.000-06:00

Awwyeah!

Guess who met Bill Nye...

Yours Truly,

with Courtney and Baby Jack

Courtney told him that she had a crush on him when she was 6 years old.

We asked him if he had a son for her to marry.

I don't remember what he said. He was probably creeped out. Hahaha!

What's your favorite memory of Bill Nye?

I remember coming home from school every day to watch Bill Nye, the Science Guy, Kratts Kreatures, Arthur and sometimes Home Improvement.

Joy Cioci Spring 2012 RTW

2011-09-14T09:00:00.000-06:00

Loving these electric yellows and oranges

J. Crew Spring 2012 RTW

2011-09-13T12:27:00.000-06:00

Love. Love. Love.

Everything.

All the different patterns and colors and fits.

So wonderful.

I saw lots of dashing men sporting oxfords, blazers and scarves like this in Berlin

Rachel Zoe Spring 2012 RTW

2011-09-13T12:18:00.000-06:00

Reem Acra Spring 2012 RTW

2011-09-13T12:10:00.001-06:00

I can't help it. I'm just drawn to these gorgeous golds and platinum silvers.

Bruce Wayne the Mexican Free-tail Bat

2011-09-08T18:38:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, was a bat filled adventure day!

There he was, just flying around the Science building at school.

Y'know...Just hangin' out.

Mark caught him and he was so tired out from flying around, so he put him in a cage in the lab to rest for awhile before releasing him outside. Someone else in the Biology department classified him as a Mexican Free-tail Bat, but Mark named him Bruce Wayne.

Mark suggested putting a robin and a cat in the cage to see who won.

Hmmm.

I was very anxious to see this new bat friend.

But alas... he was gone!!

Escaped...or Let loose? We will never know.

So, Mark and a few other Biology students, along with Melissa Monk (one of the professors), started a search party throughout the school. Complete with butterfly nets.

It was pretty hilarious to see Mark running down the halls of UVU trailing a butterfly net behind him, yelling "BRUCE! Where are you!?" Haha!

We finally found him cornered by some cops who were flinging trash cans at it, acting like they knew what they were doing. Mark and Melissa, being the real bat-catching experts, stepped in with their nets and caught the poor Bruce.

What is it with cops and being pretentious douchebags?

They were all ordering Melissa around telling her what to do with the bat. Even though she's a wildlife expert and if anything they should be taking orders from her.

Bruce was so exhausted. Melissa fed him some worm-juice. He laid in the grass for half and hour, hugged Mark goodbye and flew away. Off to fight some more crime, I'm sure!

Mark keeps asking about him:

M: Where is Bruce? What is he doing right now!?

I always reassure him that he's saving the world, one school at a time.

We'll keep the bat light shining for you, Bruce.

Lovelies

2011-09-08T17:58:00.000-06:00

I saw these ASOS looks today on dustjacket attic

These are making me so excited for fall and winter fashion!

My Goodness...

Doesn't that just make you want to go run out in the snow? I love it!

Bouquet Love

2011-08-26T13:18:00.001-06:00

I'm 100% in love with this bouquet.

It's gorgeous! It even has burlap in it, which I will use in my wedding someday.

Roses, Scabiosa Pods, Seeded Eucalyptus, Queen Anne's lace, Ranunculus, Brunia, Veronica

Lake Blanche

2011-08-20T13:49:00.001-06:00

These are from...about a month ago, i think. We both love hiking. I love it, even though I'm super out of shape. Its kinda nice because I know a lot of trails that Mark doesn't know about in Utah County. And he knows tons in salt lake county. So, we show each other new things.

Anyway, we went hiking to lake blanche and it was gorgeous up there. But...the conditions in which we were hiking weren't the best. We were kinda stupid. Well, I was stupid.

A) Apparently I don't own a decent pair of hiking shoes for more strenuous hikes. I always forget this until I'm actually on the hike. I have two pairs of Toms and a pair of converse. Neither of which are fitting for this.

B) Being a cold-weather person, I also don't have any sort of shorts. And none of my jeans were beat up enough to turn into cut-offs. Needless to say, it was quite hot.

C) We only brought two bottles of water and two fruit snacks. I was drinking like crazy. Mark kept giving me his water and both fruit snacks, promising me he had more in his backpack. He didn't tell me until we got down from the mountain that he actually didn't. He lied because he wanted to make sure I had all the water and food I needed. So we rushed to a gas station and he bought the hugest guy of water I've ever seen and drank about half of it. Rascal...

D) THERE WERE SO MANY MOSQUITOS! And we didn't have any sort of repellent, naturally. So we got eaten alive.

Mark calls these the Unicorn Forrest.

I just call it "Lothlorien" .

Sitting by the lake, being eaten alive.

Good Golly, it was gorgeous though! I loved it!

I just need to remember, next time:

More water

good shoes

shorts

more snacks

insect repellent.

Of Badgers, Pangolins and Lorises

2011-08-16T00:25:00.005-06:00

Mark goes through these funny pet obsessions. They're always weird animals I've never heard of and the conversations usually go something like this...

M: Can we get a Honey Badger?

E: Yes.

(I usually say yes to any such request before knowing what it actually is.)

Uh...What's a Honey Badger?

He then SHOWS me exactly what a Honey Badger is.

E: (whilst laughing) What would we do with a Honey Badger?

M:(clearly confused) ....He ate a Cobra!! Honey Badger don't care!

a few days later....

M: What do you think that Honey Badger's up to right now?

-------

I'm all for nontraditional pets, believe you me! Like I really want a pet hedgehog and a pet teacup pig. But...apparently I'm not as educated as I should be in the realm of weird animals.

When I first met him, he wanted a Pangolin.

I thought he was just mispronouncing Penguin...but no.

If you're like me then you're wondering "What's a pangolin?"

This is a pangolin.

Kinda looks like a mixture between an armadillo and an artichoke.

Now, Mark's latest pet obsession is something I'm actually a big fan of. Maybe you've heard of it...

M: Can we get a pet Loris?

E: A pet Lorax?

(again, totally uneducated)

M:.....No. A Loris.

E: .....

He then shows me this video

M:(laughing) LOOK AT HIM! He loves his life!
E: Let's watch that again!

....I've probably watched it 10 times since he showed me last night.

Someday you'll have to come visit us in our zoo of oddities.

Grilled Barbeque Onion & Smoked Gouda Quesadillas

2011-08-09T10:04:00.000-06:00

I really want to try this. Apparently, we make a lot of Quesadillas, Burritos and Enchiladas.

This is most likely because of Mark. He loves Mexican food.

I love it too. When I was in Germany, I was craving Mexican food so badly.

So, that's the first thing we did when he picked me up from the airport.

Nightswimming, AR

2011-08-08T23:46:00.006-06:00

Tonight I went Nightswimming with Angie and David.

It reminded me of this song by one of my favorite artists, The Finches.

I discovered them one winter a few years ago. I feel that they are perfect for quiet moments or times when I feel particuarly in need of comfort and sweet words.

Hopefully, you like them too!

I will sneak you off of the back-porch

Let the grasses bend in our breeze

We'll parade our whistling wily ways

Lightning flies nobbling our knees

Behold the glow

So, am I living too late?

And wasn't this night a well-rehearsed

A set-verse that spoke of your face

And know the river won't wait

You say this, you say, oh

You say:

"I think that we oughta go nightswimming,"

This night fills me up

I'm a pocket

Water above, water below

Lift my arm, now leave it dangling

Watch, the land turns away from the harsh shore

I've read this before

So, am I living too late?

And wasn't this night, oh, set to verse

And well-rehearsed

And then set to song?

And have I waited too long?

Don't let our youth go to waste

Come on

Say that you wanna go, oh, nightswimming 

Kitten Scared of Green Apples

2011-08-06T09:33:00.001-06:00

I've watched this like five times since yesterday afternoon and I can't stop laughing to myself. The first time I watched it I was at work and my computer didn't have any sound. It was still funny though!

Why do kitten videos make us so happy?

2011-08-06T09:29:00.000-06:00

"Someday someone will walk into your life and make you realize why it never worked out with anyone else."

Last Night's Dinner: Sweet Potato, Black Bean & Green Chile Enchiladas

2011-08-05T10:41:00.001-06:00

I've been wanting to do some cooking ever since I've gotten into my new apartment. My apartment is very lovely, by the way. I can't wait to decorate it and have it be ours.

Right now there's just tons of boxes everywhere.

The first night there I wanted to cook. I had a bunch of eggs. Perfect for Omeletts!

Then I went to grab a pan. No pan.

Then I thought Okay...German Pancakes!

(I pretty much only know how to make breakfast food. But...I'm learning!!)

Alas! No 9x13 pan and no flour.

We settled for cereal that night.

So, last night was the first night I made dinner in my new apartment.

I borrowed some pots and pans from Mark's apartment so I could do so.

Here's what I made and It was really quite delicious. And very easy!

We'll definitely be making this again.

Sweet Potato, Black Bean, and Green Chile Enchiladas

Ingredients:2 medium to large sweet potatoes (2 cups diced)
1 15 oz. can black beans
1 cup diced green chilies (canned)
1 medium red onion
1/2 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
About 2 cups salsa verde (or homemade tomatillo salsa)
8 oz. Colby jack cheese, shredded
10 flour tortillas
Salt and pepper
Sour cream, and fresh cilantro, to garnish

Directions:

1 Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2 Cook the sweet potato*: Peel and dice the sweet potato. Place in a pot and cover with water; add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, around 12 to 15 minutes.

3 Prepare the filling: Finely chop the red onion. Drain and rinse the black beans.

4 Assemble the filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked sweet potato, black beans, red onion, diced green chilies, 1/2 tablespoon cumin, and 1 tablespoon chili powder. Mix to combine, and add a bit of salt and pepper.

5 Assemble the enchiladas:
–Warm the tortillas for a minute in the microwave, or in a pan for a few seconds per side.
–In a large baking dish, spread 1 cup of the salsa verde.
–Fill each tortilla with a scoop of the filling, add a handful of cheese, and roll it up.
–Place the enchilada seam-side down in the baking dish.
–Repeat for the remaining tortillas.
–When all enchiladas are in the dish, top with the remaining cup of salsa verde and the remaining cheese.

6 Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted.

7 Serve, garnished with sour cream and chopped cilantro.

2011-08-05T09:55:00.000-06:00

Amy Merrick

2011-08-04T15:42:00.000-06:00

This is so gorgeous! I love the soft colors.

Dusty Miller, Roses, Stock, Waxflower, Astilbe, Rosemary

Also, I think I have a new favorite flower nerd website:

Amy Merrick dot com

She's on the team for my other favorite website Design*Sponge and does some of my favorite posts on Movie Style

Oh my goodness me oh my!

Have a look.

Its like...flower porn...

2011-08-04T14:49:00.000-06:00

Loveliest Apron Ever

2011-08-03T17:18:00.000-06:00

It's so lovely!

But I think I'd be too nervous about getting it dirty to actually wear it.

Plus, I think they can only be bought in Poland.

Or there's this one:

Ridiculous, but beautiful!

2011-08-03T13:21:00.002-06:00

Things I want to make, lately.

2011-07-29T12:35:00.002-06:00

I've been wanting to do so much baking and cooking lately and haven't had the time.

However, maybe I do need some baking therapy. I'll definitely be coming back to these when I have more time. I need to practice my cooking skills.

1. Spiced Hazelnut Hummus-does this not sound Intriguing

I love everything Hazelnut and I love Hummus.

It seems that some of the ingredients may be slightly difficult to track down.

like...Truffle Salt?

2. Fruity Spinach Salad-

Peaches, Cherries, Tomatoes, Brown Rice, Mint, Pumpkin Seeds?
Oh goodness me oh my!

3. Artichoke Bread

Like Spinach and Artichoke Dip that you don't have to dip.

4. Bananas Foster Crumb Cake

Heavenly.

5. Spinach & Feta Quesadillas

Mark and I are a fan of Quesadillas & Burritos.

So easy to make and you can put anything you want in them!

Easy way for a vegetarian to get their nutrients

6. Lemon Poppyseed Pancakes

Although, I would probably switch the lemon for almond.

7. Pasta with Zucchini, Tomatoes & Lemon-Yogurt Sauce

The name says it all!

8. Toffee Crunch Cupcakes

Hello there! Where have you been?

9. Summer Strawberry Coconut Cake

Um, yes!

10. Roasted Potatoes & Spinach

So delicious & Healthy!

11. Nutella Cupcakes!

You know how I am about Nutella...

12. Cherry Tomato & Mozzarella Paninis

Gotta Love Paninis!

Emma Watson says it all

2011-07-25T11:01:00.001-06:00

LOVE THIS!

LOVE HER!

I find the whole concept of being ‘sexy’ embarrassing and confusing. If I do an interview with photographs people desperately want to change me - dye my hair blonder, pluck my eyebrows, give me a fringe. Then there’s the choice of clothes. I know everyone wants a picture of me in a mini-skirt. But that’s not me. I feel uncomfortable. I’d never go out in a mini-skirt. It’s nothing to do with protecting the Hermione image. I wouldn’t do that. Personally, I don’t actually think it’s even that sexy. What’s sexy about saying, ‘I’m here with my boobs out and a short skirt, have a look at everything I’ve got?’ My idea of sexy is that less is more. The less you reveal the more people can wonder.

- Emma Watson

Etsy Spotlight: Steampunks Not Dead

2011-07-23T14:03:00.001-06:00

I saw these today on **Happiness Is...**

BOOK CLOCKS.

AMAZING.

Orange Peel Cupcakes

2011-07-22T13:11:00.000-06:00

This is so cute!

I'm totally trying this this weekend!

Girl's Night & Oryany Satchel

2011-07-22T11:39:00.003-06:00

On Monday, Angie, Courtney and I went out to celebrate Angie's birthday. I didn't get many pictures. I need to be better about documenting things in pictures.
We had dinner at California Pizza Kitchen and before that we treated ourselves to some manicures. It was my first time getting a manicure. I know, I know! Ridiculous.

Mark, being half Asian (1/4 chinese, 1/4 vietnamese), was pretty shocked that I had never had a manicure. Haha! I guess, since I work with flowers and my hands are always being abused in that respect, I didn't see the point. I'm also not into painting my nails (Except for my toes!). I just like things natural.

The ladies who did our nails were, indeed, Vietnamese.

I told them my fiance was part Vietnamese.

"He treat you nice?"

I loved the manicure experience and my hands did need some caring for.

I was a little ashamed every time someone would ask to see my ring because I have this beautiful ornate ring on my hand, which has scars and cuts and all sorts of evidence of flower work. Its weird that working with something so pretty could be so hard on your skin and hands. Particularly, in the winter months when you're dealing with more sappy branches. I guess I'll need to treat myself and give my hands some loving' more.

Anyway, in-between dinner and manicures we stopped in Nordstrom.

I saw this beauty and it was love at first sight!

I'm still totally lusting over it...

Anyone who loves me feel free to buy one for me. Haha...

(It's only a mere $298 and that's the SALE price!)

Any color will do, but the Cognac is my favorite!

Etsy Spotlight: Dear Golden

2011-07-22T11:14:00.001-06:00

Its been awhile since I've done an Etsy spotlight.

For weeks, I've been looking for a dress to wear at the wedding luncheon. Afterall, I won't be wanting to get my lovely wedding dress dirty!

(It's almost done, by the way!)

My search was leading to naught!

Everything was either too short, too low, no sleeves, or too expensive.

But I finally found this vintage dress from this Etsy shop by Lauren Naimola.

It arrived today and I'm so excited to wear it!!

P.S. It was only $40!!

Lauren obviously has an amazing eye for beautiful vintage clothing

Here are other beauties from her shop:

Aunt Ann's Black Bean Soup

2011-07-12T11:19:00.001-06:00

It's not often that I cook something that actually turns out. But my Aunt Ann made this a few weeks ago and last night I tried it for myself. It's really good! Aaand...Super easy!

Ingredients:
3 15-oz cans black beans (2 drained but not rinsed, 1 pureed in blender)
1 15-oz can corn
1 15-oz can petite cut tomatoes
1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes with cilantro and lime
1 32-box chicken broth (Or vegetable Broth)
1 T chili powder
1 lg yellow onion (can be from dehydrated onions)
4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup prepared brown rice per serving
8 oz shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
8 sliced green onions
½ lime per serving, sliced in two

Directions:

Preparation: In a large stew pot or large Crockpot, combine black beans, corn, tomatoes, chicken broth, and chili powder and simmer. Add onions and cook until clear. Sprinkle garlic over mixture and stir to combine, simmering for about 5 minutes. Stir into vegetable mixture, bring to a boil (if not in Crock pot), and simmer for 30 minutes (or 4-6 hours if in the ubiquitous Crock pot).

To Serve: Scoop 1 c. cooked brown rice into soup bowl or mug. Ladle Black Bean Soup over the top. Sprinkle with cheese and green onions and sour cream. Squeeze two lime halves over the each serving. Serve with corn bread, tortilla chips, Fritos, or Red Lobster cheese biscuits.

Pet elephants for all!

2011-07-12T10:39:00.001-06:00

I don't see any reason why I shouldn't have a pet Elephant.

I mean, really now.

"Ahem. Maaaark...."

rainy day lovelies

2011-07-12T10:22:00.000-06:00

I want these outfits!

Aren't they lovely?

Also, I wouldn't mind owning these boots.

Anyone, anyone?

living room sets

2011-07-07T10:57:00.000-06:00

As I said earlier, I'm so excited to start decorating my own apartment!

I know it will be awhile before its the way I want it to be. I know that, at first, our apartment will be very bare. We'll acquire it little by little.

Anyway, here are some living room looks that I'm just in love with!

For color palette, I'm thinking mustard yellow, greys, maybe some teal accents.

I love this. But I would most definitely not do coral.

I just am not a pinky-type of girl. Never have been.

Maybe I'd do teal or green accents instead.

Giambattista Valli

2011-07-07T07:47:00.000-06:00

a few DIY projects

2011-07-06T17:12:00.000-06:00

i'm getting so excited to finally have my own apartment!
I can't wait to decorate it and make it our own.

Here's a few DIY projects I've been itching to try.

Clementine Candle, anyone?

Tutorial here

These frosted vases...

I would totally use these with clients for weddings.

Oh yes.

See how here

Felt Craspedia!
I love billy balls so much!
I will definitely be trying this. Maybe even for an eco-wedding...

see here

I can't seem to find the tutorial for this one. But I really want to try it!

This would take a little more doing, but i love it!

Design*Sponge always has the best DIY tutorials!

OR this...

design*sponge

I also think this would be so cute for Halloween...

Again, I can't seem to find the tutorial.

Dress up an old lamp with this custom lampshade tutorial

design*sponge

Valentino

2011-07-06T12:08:00.000-06:00

Loving the golds and bronzes. You know me. I'm such a sucker for warm, earth tones.

One of the many reasons I love Fall!

Elie Saab Couture

2011-07-06T11:55:00.000-06:00

He's done it again.

I'm totally drooling over Elie Saab's Fall Couture line

David Miller Photography

2011-07-06T11:43:00.002-06:00

I love his work! He's also my good friend Angie's husband.

Awwwyeah.

WANT

2011-07-06T11:38:00.000-06:00

I totally want this book!

I stalk Design*Sponge on a daily.

I love all their projects and someday I want to try all of them.

Or...some of them.

a little "advertisement" for Rob & Georgia

2011-07-01T14:31:00.001-06:00

Here are two of my favoritest people in the whole world.

Georgia & Rob Buchert.

I've known them since I was...13. Georgia was my young women leader and Rob was our home teacher. We had just moved down from Seattle and, of course, starting from scratch in a new place is always unsettling when you're a teenager. But the first day in our new ward, Georgia was there, wearing a lovely red dress and a warm smile.

She was a great friend from the start for Cassie and me.

They are perfect examples to me of how I want to live my life and the qualities I always want to be working towards in my marriage. You can tell when you see them that they are best friends.

After waiting such a long time, they are finally "out on the market", hoping to adopt.

They will be such wonderful, wise, loving, and fun parents.

I'm so excited for them and I just wanted to do a little shout out for them.

Here's some excerpts from their profile

"You. We haven’t met but we call you friend because of a common goal: the well-being and happiness of a precious child. You are making an eternally important decision about the future of a beautiful soul. We admire your caring, courage, and your search for inspiration. We respect you for honoring the sanctity of life, and for your sacrifices to bring this child safely into the world. We think of you and pray that God, who loves you so much, will bless your decision-making and give you wisdom and peace as you choose."

Georgia says about Rob: "Rob’s the best man I know. He knows when and how to have fun and be serious. He’s got a great mind, many creative talents, and a gift for understanding people. He is joyfully at home in nature. He is full of life with a bright, delightful personality. He is a strong, persuasive, but not demanding or pushy leader; he has great insight and patience in helping others learn and realize their potential. I am constantly proud of him and what he creates with his life. I love him with all my heart! He’ll be an excellent dad."

Rob says about Georgia: " Here’s a typical scene: at the family dinner table Georgia juggles two plates and a niece who “needs” to sit on her lap. Kids love her and want her company. She’s one of my best examples of loyalty, honesty, service, desiring to do right, and working to be a better person. She has high ideals and great compassion. She’s friendly and quick to see good in other people. She’s artistic, creative, and drawn to styles of art and music often little known. She’s open-minded and welcomes the new and unique. She’s an excellent teacher and strives to learn everything about topics of interest to her. She’ll be a great mom. She’s amazing!"

P.S. They're also the talented individuals and make their own letterpress creations!

See for yourself:

Tryst Press

J. Mendel

2011-07-01T13:52:00.000-06:00

Fireworks & Engagements

2011-06-30T16:51:00.000-06:00

Check out these awesome 4th of July Engagements!

They look like so much fun!

from Alec Vanderboom

Succulent love

2011-06-30T11:49:00.000-06:00

Have I ever told you how much I adore succulents?

Yes?

I know I have.

But I'll just remind you again.

I want to have a whole garden of succulents someday. I don't know why, I just can't get enough of them...

Bouquets featuring succulents are also my favorite and I fully intend to use them in my bouquet.

Another Favorite: Burberry Prorsum Resort

2011-06-30T10:37:00.000-06:00

Yes. I love this.

I love the colors and the layering.

Mm.

Erin Fetherston

2011-06-29T15:31:00.000-06:00

I want to wear all of these!

McQueen Resort Collection

2011-06-29T15:05:00.000-06:00

I'm in love with Alexander McQueen's resort collection.

But...I don't know why all the models have to look so angry. Haha....

Its sometimes distracting from the beautiful clothes.

Just my opinion, folks.

Marlee's Weddin Flowas

2011-06-29T11:18:00.000-06:00

Here's the other wedding from last week. Marlee's flowers were so fun to do!

She trusted me completely and because of that I was able to show my best work, use some of my favorites and personalize the flowers for her wedding.

Green Tea Roses, Peonies, Tulips, Israeli Ruscus, Snow on the Mountain Euphorbia, Lavender, Monkey Tail, Cymbidium Orchids, Lamb's Ear, Dendrobium Orchids, Beargrass

Weddings galore!

2011-06-23T08:56:00.000-06:00

Summer time is definitely the time for weddings!

And that means I am in a constant Flower Frenzy.

Which I don't mind one bit to be honest...

One wedding yesterday, another on Saturday and then my brother is getting married in two weeks! Then my own wedding on top of that!

Oh boy...its gonna be a busy summer!

Here's the wedding I did yesterday. I was very pleased with the way it turned out!

Ranunculus, Calla Lilies, Freesia, Spray Roses, Cherry Brandy Roses, Nectarine Roses, Monkey Tail, Israeli Ruscus, Lisianthus, Bupleurum

2011-06-19T12:12:00.000-06:00

2011-06-12T07:25:00.001-06:00

"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed. The fact is most putts don't drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank [God] for letting you have the ride."

- Gordon B. Hinckley

Long-time favorite

2011-06-07T11:39:00.001-06:00

Another bridal & groomal session that's been a long time favorite of mine is this one by Ashlee Raubach.I saw it first in 2009 in my daily wedding blog-stalking and I'm always coming back to it.

It's so gorgeous!