Weekend with the Girls Day 3

Today was the last day in Vegas with the Lillards. In a way I was sad, in a way I was not. I of course like to get away and be with my friends. The weather was also great. I was soaking up the sun today after sacrament meeting and it felt GOOD! I was also very excited to leave. Probably mostly being lack of sleep. I think a combination of sleeping on the couch, being kept up by the snoring of Zeus (their dog) and the kids crying in the middle of the night and getting up wicked early, the 3 year old girls laughing and having so much fun together one minute and crying and fighting and screaming the next.... I guess I reached my limit after 3 days. I wanted to burn a couple of toys that caused a lot of trouble. ha ha. I hope this doesn't make me sound horrible. I love kids and I love these kids.... and I believe it is a little different when they are you own kids and on a schedule. Anyway... the morning was spent getting ready for church. I then took Lillard family pictures, we then went to church came back home, ate lunch, packed and headed back to Provo.

I am so glad that I got a weekend with my good girl friends. We had fun amids all the craziness and I am so glad that over all these years, no matter where we live and no matter if my friends have gotten married and had kids.... we still make time for each other. These friends mean a lot to me in my life. Thank you Cheryl for making the trek to Vegas with me and Thank you Lolly for letting us invade your house and your pantry for a weekend. Love you girls!

Weekend with the Girls Day 2

For day two, Lolly made breakfast in the morning and since it is Saturday... her husband could stay home with their kids... so we only had two to worry about instead of four while we went shopping at the mall. It took us until noon to get all of us plus the kids ready to go out and then we spent many hours at the Mall in Henderson. I love to shop with Lolly because she has such good taste and tells me how it is and keeps me up on fashion that I would not be as likely to try if I were on my own. For example: We went to Burlington Coat Factory to look at their jewelry because it is pretty cute and very cheap. Because I was with Lolly... these are the rings I was drawn to. Which one do you think I bought of these choices? You will probably notice in the pictures below. P.S. I know my nails look sad in this pic... but I assure you that I painted them tonight and they are looking much better.

So after a long day at the mall and being exhausted from trying on clothes, I ended up with many bags of goodies. Don't worry, there were lots of sales and I got a good deal on most everything I bought. Then we went home and had dinner and then after the kids were in bed, we watched "Confessions of a Shopaholic". Fitting right?
We all got cute accessories today, so before we started the movie... we decided to take a picture of our cute new accessories. See the ring I chose? I love that we are all still looking like diva's.
Then after a few pictures... we started to get carried away and started playing with all the different effects. As you can see we got a real kick out of it.

Weekend with the Girls Day 1

My good friend Cheryl and I both graduated from Massage Therapy School. Lately, we have been trading massages. We are trying to trade once a month (so far, so good) and I can't tell you how awesome it is to get a massage regularly. This was the best decision ever. During our last trade... I was telling Cheryl I wanted to visit our good friend Lolly. She told me she wanted to come with.... and so we planned.

Lolly, Cheryl and I met at Institute in Santa Barbara about 8 or 9 years ago and have kept in touch and been good friends ever since. I was even one of Lolly's bridesmaids in her wedding. Ever since Lolly and her husband moved to Vegas about 5 years ago... I try to go visit her at least once a year, sometimes more. It is nice for me to get away from Provo anyway, therefore... I usually visit more than once a year. Since I have become friends with Lolly & Cheryl (along with most of my other friends) they have both gotten married and had two kids. Does that stop us getting together? No it does not! Cheryl and I also came together to visit Lolly almost two years ago exactly. This time it has been a little more of a challenge since there are 4 kids instead of two... and also Ava and Ashby are at an age (with two strong personalities) where it is hard to share and get along, so they have been fighting more.... but we are all still having fun.

Day 1 of trip, we decided to get "Lollified"! This is a term that Cheryl came up with for when Lolly gives us a make over. We dress up and Lolly does our hair and make up and then we go do a little photo shoot. We did this last time as well. (Thank you Lolly for making us Diva's for a day!) Only this time, I have a nicer camera and I brought my laptop so I could photo shop as well. So we had fun at the park doing that (pictures below). Then we came back home, had snacks and made cake balls for a dessert for later. And of course we talk.... a lot.

With Lolly

With Cheryl

Ashby & Ava (Cheryl & Lolly's daughters) Mini Diva's

The Diva's

After having dinner and putting all the kids to bed, Lolly's husband stayed home with all the kido's so we could go out. We went to the Bellogio to watch the water show. I love how they make it go with the music and every half hour there is a different song. We saw three different ones. Its beautiful. We walked around the strip a little bit and went into a few shops (like Sephora... one of my faves) and then came back home. As much as I love the kids... it was nice to have some time with just us girls.
















Hooray for Vegas. I'm excited for tomorrow!

P.S. There are tons more cute pictures.... I already have a ton of pics on here, so I will most likely be posting them on facebook. Stay tuned!

Soldier Hollow

This week has been very different at work. There are a few reasons for this. #1- two co-workers on my team were in town this week. I have now worked at Novell for a year and this was my first time meeting these co-workers... and one of them I support (I process her paperwork). It was fun to finally meet them. They only come to town about once a year. #2- Because these co-workers only come to town once a year... they set up meetings for our team to attend. One after another for days! I learned a lot.... but it was quite long and I would get so antsy towards the end. #3- Because our week was full of meetings AND because these co-workers come once a year, our team took half the day off (still got paid & they paid for the activity & lunch) today to go play! I have told you before that Novell rocks right? I love that we get to do this sort of thing. It also helps that I love hanging out with my co-workers too... even if I am the youngest (besides Heather *above*).

For our activity, we all went out to lunch at Bajio's and then headed up the canyon to Soldier Hollow. It was a pretty nice day and it is still looking beautiful with the snow up the canyon. Since I am not a snow person... I wore thermal pants and shirt under my clothes (Thank you Brent, I guess they have come in handy for more than just camping) and then I had snow coat I got to wear for like the second time.... since I don't play in the snow, and I had some kinda snow pants I bought in high school... still not sure why, you know, since I grew up in a beach town and never visited the snow. Thankfully my co-workers could help me out where I was lacking with things like snow boots and gloves. You like my Bennie? I bought this one in Guatemala. Forgot to include this one in my Hat Collection. I have to admit... when I first heard we were doing this activity... sure I was happy to play instead of work, but I was not all that excited about the activity. Once we got there and started going down on our tubes, I had a lot more fun then I thought. It is so nice because you don't even have to walk up the hill to go down again... they hook your tube to a lift that carries you up. Then our group discovered that you go faster when you all go down together, so I only went down once by myself and then the rest we went down in groups and we were going at some pretty fast speeds. We all had fun, I got to bond with my co-workers and I am glad I brought my camera... because we got some fun pictures too. Thank you Novell for letting me work for you and for treating me so well. Oh, and for great co-workers. I am sure there is a long list I can thank you for, but I will stop there.

Danish Pastry

With my left over Puff Pastry from making Shrimp Pot Pie's, I decided to make Danish Pastry's. I had just seen this on another blog a week or so before.... and it looked yummy... so why not try it. Especially when it is so easy. Ready? All you need is Puff Pastry, cream cheese and a Jam of your choice. I spread the cream cheese and jam on one half. Cut slits in the other half, fold it over and cook it in the oven for about 25 minutes at 350 degrees. Done and done! It was pretty tasty. During one of my many meetings at work on Tuesday I was eating my last pastry from the batch that I had made. When my co-workers saw me eating it they thought it looked yummy and asked what it was... they were so impressed that I made it. Ha ha... I let them be impressed and didn't tell them how simple it was.

New Guy

So maybe a month ago, there were a couple of guys that moved into the ward. With the ratio in our ward being 3 girls to every guy.... this would normally be a very exciting thing. I was excited to talk to this guy for the first time and see what he was all about. I was quickly disappointed. He was weird. Great. A guy that is flirty and wants to go out with the girls in the ward and he is awkward and weird. Then we have the somewhat normal guys that will not ask girls out. Can't win. Anyway, you are probably wondering why I think he is weird. He is socially awkward. The second time I had ever talked to him he was flirting with me at a party *he will flirt with any girl that lets him*. I had left the party for a couple of hours and then came back again. When I came back he told me that there was something beautifully different about me. Asked me if it was a new purse? New hair? New clothes? Um weirdo... I look exactly the same as when you saw me two hours ago. You are trying too hard to flirt. Then he started telling me how talented he was... you know, he plays the piano, he sings, he's a writer and even a ballroom dancer. Meanwhile people are playing rockband, he asks me if I like playing. I said yes... he asks me what level I play on. I said expert. He asks me how I am not married if I can play expert on rockband . Well gee, I don't know. I didn't know that is all it took to get myself married.

The next Sunday, my roommate didn't realize that she had a meeting after church, so I needed to find a ride home. By the time I realized this... most people had left. This new guy had happened to be right there and offered to give me a ride home. I looked around to see if there were any other options. Nope. Stuck. I knew this guy was awkward, but I decided to put up with the awkwardness than be stuck at church.

New Guy: I can give you a ride.

Me: Um, okay. Thanks.

New Guy: P.S. I am parked on the other side of campus.

Me: Why would you do that?

New Guy: Well, it was either park on the other side of campus and be on time or park in our parking lot and be late.

*I am thinking how this does not make sense at all, but I am not going to ask questions*

**Note- This conversation is shortened... but this conversation seemed never ending and it was the longest walk to the car AND the longest 7 minute drive back to my house**

New Guy: So doing anything special for Valentines Day?

Me: Taking a nap. You?

New Guy: No, still getting over my last girlfriend.

Me: When did you guys break up?

New Guy: A year ago.

Me: Umm... how long did you date?

New Guy: 5 months.

Me: Um, okay. Well... sorry. It can be ruff.

New Guy: Ya, she won't even talk to me now when I see her on campus. I try and wave and say hi... but she just ignores me.

Me: Oh, interesting.

New Guy: She wouldn't let me kiss her until we were engaged. We were almost there, but then she broke up with me.

Me: Wow, really interesting. Um, how old was she? Maybe she was just a little immature and not ready for a serious relationship.

New Guy: She is older than me, and I'm 24.

Me: Okay.

New Guy: Ya, she was kind of a Molly Mormon. I tried to talk to her about sex and she acted as though it was a sin to talk about. But I hear some wives hold it against their husbands, and that is something I need to know!

Me: (starting to feel really awkward)- Well... there is a time and a place for that. * And thinking, right now is not the time or the place to start talking about it with me*

New Guy: I have also tried talking to a Bishop about it and he didn't want me to go into detail. But really... I think all guys have sexual issues, they are just at different degrees. Sorry, I'm probably scaring you... but you did ask me why she broke up with me....

Me: Ummm..... no.... I didn't. I did not lead the conversation here AT ALL. But look! My house. Thanks for the ride. Later.

Remember how I have told you that I attract awkwardness. Yep, I still think it is true. This is NOT a conversation that you have with someone that you just barely met and have only talked to 3 times. I will not get into the questions he asks in Sunday School. We will just say, it makes everyone feel uncomfortable.

The End.

Monthly FHE Competition

First of all, It's my Mom's birthday today. So I wanted to say publicly, on my blog, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! I LOVE YOU!!! Hope it was a great day. I wish I was there to celebrate with you.

Second, its time for the family home evening monthly competition. This month, our challenge was to take pictures of what we thought was a typical Provo date. They encouraged awkwardness... or maybe just I did. I don't remember. Anyway... here is what we came up with.

*Please notice in the first picture, 5 people watching in the windows. Don't worry... I have definitely done that before.*

If you would like to see our FHE Blog and view more pictures, go here.

Red

Bright and dramatic, red is the color of love, joy and bravery. Rooms that are painted red are often warm and cheery while people who wear red are often energetic, optimistic individuals who love attention and being in the spotlight. Those who love red live life to the fullest and are tenacious and determined in their endeavors.

Yesterday I went to my friend Nicole's salon. I was long overdue to get my hair done. I told her I wanted something new and I trusted her to do whatever she thought would look best on me. She decided to put red in my hair! I LOVE IT! I received so many compliments today at church. I think it is a fun change. I love to decorate with red, I like to wear red... so why not put it in my hair? Thanks Nicole for doing my hair! I really do love it.

P.S. I totally recommend my friend Nicole Fawcett if you are looking for a hair stylist in Provo Utah. If you want her info, let me know. :o)

Roommate Group Date = More Recipe's

In our ward, we have about 3 girls to every guy. Lucky guys right? Well... there are a few guys that date within the ward. The rest are either engaged or dating outside the ward OR they don't even ask girls out. Sad. I know. The Bishop has pretty much given up on trying to convince the guys to date... so he has now started telling the girls to ask the guys out on dates! I don't like this, If I'm being honest with you. I don't feel like it is the girls job. The girls job is to let the guy know that she is interested and it is the guys job to ask out. Maybe its just me... but anyway... my roommates and I decided we would follow the Bishop's counsel, but just this once and in a group situation. So we each asked a guy out for last night. I am so sad that I didn't get a picture of the group. We were kind of pressed for time. We all came home from work, had to hurry and make dinner, then our dates came and then we only had so much time before we had to leave to go to Comedy Sports. So Sadly no picture was taken. Just to report... I took a guy in my ward, Matt Burton. He is very sweet and friendly and we always have great conversation. In fact, both of us have a hard time stopping once we get into conversation. He was over until 1:30 am! ha ha... he is really great though and was an awesome date. I really enjoy his company.

For dinner, I had us try a new recipe! I saw it on the food network (my favorite) and I knew I wanted to try it. My roommates were great help in making the meal all come together. We made Shrimp Pot Pie's for all 8 people (roommates + dates + our friend Lindsay and her date) plus salad and steamed veggies. The dish was a hit! I would totally make it again. I loved the flavor and it was very filling. We then laughed all the calories that we ate off at Comedy Sports. I had not been in a long time and forgot how funny it was. Then we came back to our place and I served my FAVORITE dessert (my sister Lori brought this gem of a recipe back from Hawaii when she went to school there) to everyone that I had prepared the night before. Chocolate Haupia Pie. I made it for Thanksgiving too... but I didn't put the recipe on here. So, here are the recipe's from our date night dishes! Enjoy!

Shrimp Pot Pie

Ingredients

1 egg

1 Tbsp water

4 sheets puff pastry (thawed)

Flour, for dusting

8 large (21 to 25) shrimp, shelled and deveined

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 Tbsp unsalted butter

1 small carrot, diced

1 celery stalk, diced

6 mushrooms, sliced thin

2 sprigs fresh thyme

1/2 cup chicken broth

2 cups heavy cream

salt and ground white pepper

* Special equipment: 3 and 4 inch metal ring

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a small bowl, whisk egg and water until well blended. Lightly dust work surface with flour. Unfold puff pastry and dock dough with a fork. Using a 4 inch ring, cut 16 circles. Set 4 circles on a nonstick baking sheet. These are the base of the pot pies. Discard scraps. Using a 3 inch metal ring, cut circles in the center of the 12 remaining circles. Remove 4 of the 3 inch circles to the prepared baking sheet. These are the tops. Brush the outer edge of the 4 inch circles with the egg wash. Lay 1 of the 12 rings on top. Brush egg wash on that ring and place another ring on top. Repeat 1 more time until you have 3 rings stacked on top of each other. Repeat with remaining circles until you have 4 assembled. Brush the edges and tops with egg wash and bake in the middle of the oven until golden, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, season the shrimp with cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add oil and 1 Tbsp butter. Saute the shrimp, 1 minute per side. Remove shrimp and set aside. Add remaining butter to the pan and saute carrots, celery, mushrooms, and thyme, until softened about 10 minutes. Add chicken broth, bring to a simmer and cook until most of the broth has evaporated. Add the cream and bring back to a simmer until the sauce thickens to a gravy consistency, about 12 to 15 minutes. Place the shrimp back into the sauce to coat. Remove thyme and season with salt and white pepper. Ladle the shrimp mixture into the pastry puff bowls and to with the smaller puff circles.

Chocolate Haupia Pie

Ingredients

1- Graham Cracker Pie Crust

1- Can Coconut Milk

1- Cup Milk

1-Cup Sugar

1-Cup Water

1/2 Cup Corn Starch

1- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar

1- Container Cool Whip

Directions:

Mix coconut milk, milk and sugar. Bring to a boil. In a separate bowl, dissolve the corn starch in the water. Bring coconut mixture down to a simmer and add corn starch mixture. Stir until it starts to thicken. When coconut mixture is thick, pour some of the mixture in a separate bowl for top layer. With the rest of the coconut mixture, add the chocolate bar (leave one chocolate square for garnishing the top of pie). Stir until the chocolate is all melted in. Next pour chocolate coconut mixture in pie crust. Pour the left over coconut mixture (haupia) on top of the chocolate. Refrigerate until firm. I always think it is best to refrigerate over night. When pie is firm, cover the top with cool whip and garnish with left over chocolate bar. Now it's ready to serve.

Hat Obsession?

I have mentioned before that I have really been into hats these days. Last Friday when I went shopping on my lunch break, I bought two more hats. While hanging them with my other hats, I realized how many hats I really have. I don't think its a normal amount. I honestly don't think this will be the end of it either. This is not every hat I own... but here is a peek at my collection.





Which one is your favorite?

Confessions of a Brunette on the Internet 2

Last week I wrote a post labeled "Random Thoughts". I went back and renamed it "Confessions of a Brunette on the Internet" since that is me, and the name of my blog. Every time I want to share my random thoughts, this is what I will call the post... plus which number it is.

First. I am pretty happy about the Winter Olympics being on right now. I am a little jealous of all my friends that have posted on facebook or blogs that they are going to be there. I would love to be at the Olympics one day. Just once.... maybe I should add that to my bucket list. I should have gone when the Winter Olympics were in SLC. What was I thinking? Until then... I will watch from the comfort of my home. Last night I was enjoying the couples figure skating. Love it! I am always amazed that they can hold each other up gracefully while skating across ice.

Second. Another one of my New Years resolutions is to lose more weight. This means I actually have to start exercising again. I have the hardest time wanting to exercise in the winter. It's dark and cold and I just don't want to do it. Well... last week I am happy to report that I started exercising again regularly and it feels good. Hopefully along with eating healthy... the weight will come off too. If I HAVE to do the HCG diet again... so be it. But I hope I don't. Also... I am trying something new with my exercise. I bought a Yoga video. This might seem like no big deal to many people... lots of people use this as their only exercise and they love it. I have NEVER liked yoga. I still don't. I would rather do dance aerobics, or kick boxing... something where I am jumping around and really getting my heart rate up. Why am I doing yoga then? Well.. I am only doing it a couple times a week.... but I know how important it is for us to stretch... also, I am hoping it is going to help me improve my posture. I think it is working. I still don't enjoy it (probably because I am not good at it) and I am sure I look pretty retarded doing it... but I will continue to do it.

Third. Speaking of eating healthy, I am doing a cleanse right now. I try to do one at least once a year. I am not too particular to the exact cleanse that I do. In fact I have tried many different kinds. It started with the Master Cleanse. Then I did one where I just took different types of pills from Nature's Way. I did Isegenix and others. This one I am doing right now is called The 3 Day Belly Bulge Cleanse (or something like that) I got it from my co-worker. It is not that bad, my roommate Ashlee is actually doing it with me which is nice. You just eat all natural foods, 5 mini meals a day and you add a lot of extra fiber to your diet with the foods you eat and supplements. I am feeling good... but not as cleansed as I have with other ones.

Fourth. Why do people feel the need to be mean and rip people off. Remember the whole ordeal with my roommates and I all having to move out and what a pain the people were that bought the house? For after everything they put us through... we continued to be nice and not make a big deal out of it. We have been trying to get our security deposits from these people for almost 3 months now and they finally give it back. They decided to keep $500 of the $800 of our deposit. What is normal to keep? About $150 NOT $500. Totally ridiculous! Don't worry, they gave us each a whole letter of all the ridiculous reasons of why they kept all that money. Non of them are valid. Do you know how much better this world would be if everyone was nice?

Last. On Friday, I realized that shopping makes me happy. Only a couple people at work + getting paid that day = shopping on my lunch break. Getting new things makes me happy. Why? I never thought I was materialistic, but maybe I am? I never considered myself high maintenance, but maybe I am? Being in love used to make me happy.... but since Brent and I broke up... buying things has made me happy. Don't worry... I'm not in any debt and I am still responsible with my money. Maybe I should watch "Confessions of a Shopaholic" again.

Mexican Lasagna

Normally, I don't watch Rachel Ray, mostly because I think she is annoying. Every once in a while, when I am flipping channels... if she is on and whatever she is cooking looks super delicious, I watch. As far as recipe's go... I am a Paula Dean fan, but this particular recipe is from Rachel Ray. It is one of her 30 minute meals... and I have made it a few times. I love it. Here is the recipe if you want to give it a try.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 pounds ground chicken breast, available in the packaged meats case
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained
• 1 cup medium heat taco sauce or 1 (14-oz) can stewed or fire roasted tomatoes
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• Salt
• 8 (8 inch) spinach flour tortillas, available on dairy aisle of market
• 2 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar or shredded pepper jack
• 2 scallions, finely chopped

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Preheat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - twice around the pan. Add chicken and season with chili powder, cumin, and red onion. Brown the meat, 5 minutes. Add taco sauce or stewed or fire roasted tomatoes. Add black beans and corn. Heat the mixture through, 2 to 3 minutes then season with salt, to your taste.

Coat a shallow baking dish with remaining extra-virgin olive oil, about 1 tablespoon oil. Cut the tortillas in half or quarters to make them easy to layer with. Build lasagna in layers of meat and beans, then tortillas, then cheese. Repeat: meat, tortilla, cheese again. Bake lasagna 12 to 15 minutes until cheese is brown and bubbly. Top with the scallions and serve.

P.S. I used regular tortillas and I didn't put scallions in. Still tastes great.

Happy Valentines Day

Not going to lie... kind of glad that Valentines Day fell on a Sunday this year. I get jealous of all the couples that do cute and romantic things together. I can look forward to one day having that again right? In the meantime... I have a lot of amazing people in my life and want them to know how much I love them! Here's some love from me to you! Happy Valentines Day!

Star Wars Birthday Party

My oldest niece, Reanne, turned 7 years old this week. I can't believe she is 7. Kind of makes me feel old since it didn't seem that long ago since she was born. It has been so fun to watch her grow up. She has such a personality! She is so funny and has always been extremely smart for her age. It has also been very fun to see what she takes an interest in. She has always been a bit of a tom boy. Her first request for a Halloween costume of her choice was a pirate! Not a princess... a pirate. I love it. Over Thanksgiving, her dad showed her the original Star Wars movies. She and her sister Sierra were glued to the movie and have been kind of obsessed every since. They wanted light sabers for Christmas and they know the weird Al Star Wars songs by heart. It is so funny/ awesome. So what does Reanne want for her birthday party theme? Nothing else but Star Wars.

My sister Kristy is amazing and talented in so many way. She used her artistic abilities to create a fun party for Reanne and her friends.

First, my sister painted this Bantha, but pin the tail on the Bantha. She just found a picture on the Internet and copied it. I think it turned out awesome.

Then, each kid got a light saber that my sister also made. They had to go through an optical course and at the end they had to save Princess Leya.
After they did this... they became a Jedi! Ha ha... it is all so creative. I love it. So my sister made them all Jedi tags with their names on it.

She was going to make the Darth Vader pinata... but luckily she found this one so she didn't have to. she already had enough work cut out for her as it was.

Finally, we have the R2D2 cake. Last night I went over to my sister's house to help her make it. Well... she made the cake and I helped her frost it and gave her some tips to make it easier and then I coached her on the details. I think it turned out awesome! I am sure the kids loved it.

Side note. I noticed that ALL of the kids showed up at the birthday party RIGHT on time. I left maybe 5 minutes after 1pm when the party started and ALL of the kids were there ready to party. You through a party in my ward... you don't count on anyone being there for at least a half hour after it starts. Why do you think that is?