Happy Things~Guest: Uber Chic for Cheap

I'm so excited to have Madeline from Uber Chic for Cheap as a guest today! 

We met a few months back at a conference and I instantly loved being around her. 

She is a complete sweetheart and a fun-loving, low-key fashionista. 

You are going to LOVE her and her fantastic blog! 

We all love fashion, right? And we all love a great-deal, right? 

Well then, Uber Chic for Cheap is such a great read.

Madeline loves to research and share good fashion finds. 

She also shares how to look Stylin' on a budget. 

In fact, "Look for Less" is my favorite post that she pulls together. 

I love to see "look-a-likes" on great fashion designs but for a better price.

Dream Job: I would love to work in fashion merchandising. It would be so fun to be a fashion buyer or a creative director of a small apparel store.
Product you can't live without:
Dry Shampoo! Now that I have bangs I needed to wash my hair every day because they looked stringy after 12 hours. I can now wash every other day, which is so much better for my hair because I am blow drying and curling less often.
Favorite Vacation:
When I was 16, I went to central Europe with my brother and parents. We saw Budapest, Vienna, and many other beautiful places. It was fantastic. I also have a big place in my heart for Alaska, specifically the Kenai Peninsula where my husband and I have spent 4 summers.
Dream vacation:
I would love to live abroad. I think there is something so fantastic about the idea of moving somewhere completely different and immersing yourself in entirely new experiences. I would love to do that. 
Favorite Restaurant/Food: I love Chinese food!
Favorite TV show:
I am a big TV watcher, and I love TV on DVD even more! Some of my favorites are Felicity, My So-Called Life, Veronica Mars, Mad Men and Friday Night Lights.
Favorite movie: 500 Days of Summer
Favorite treat: Cookies! I can pass on cake or pie or ice cream, but cookies get me every time and I end up eating at least 10!
Favorite Book: Hunger Games (If you haven't read it, you should!)
How do you like to relax or what is a hobby you enjoy:
I really like to sew. I am no master seamstress, but I love having time to just sit down and sew for a few hours.
5 Loves: My Husband, Chapstick, Cardigans, Sleeping In, and Shopping
5 Dislikes: Early Mornings,Being Insincere, Migraines, Paying for Shipping, and Being Embarrassed 

Thanks Madeline! I loved learning a bit more about you. 

I have yet to read this Hunger Games book, but it is the talk-of-the-town... 

I should pick it up soon.  

I love that you've lived in Alaska, but please don't tell my husband that bit of info. 

He'd try to get me to do it too! ;)  He once spent a summer there fishing on a boat.  

He'd like to live there. I'd like to live in Hawaii. 

Oh! And I'm so with you on lovin' dry Shampoo. I am an everyday fan! 

I even use it on my wash days to give texture to my fine hair. 

Happy Things~Guest: Two Ellie

A few months back, I had a few wonderful women share their favorite things 

or things that made them happy. I kinda became a slacker as I was trying to create 

Modern Palm Boutique, 

however, I am now ready to start the series again. 

I am so excited to have these amazing women share a bit more with us about things that make them happy.

Who better to re-start this series, than 

Paula from Two Ellie. 

Paula is a darling southern girl who has a beautiful family, great taste, an eye for great home decor,

and a warm, friendly personality.  She and her husband are quite the photographers too! Her blog has truly become one of my favorites, so I'm excited to have her share some of her faves with us!

Dream Job: My dream job would be to become a shop owner. Whether it be a home store, bakery, or flower shop wouldn't really matter. Just turning the little open sign every morning would be rather delightful, but to be honest being a stay at home mom is rather perfect too.

Product you can't live without: My number one product must is sunscreen. Right now I am loving Clinique Even Better with SPF.

Favorite Vacation: A trip I will never forget is to the jungles of Ecuador.  We spent time with the tribe and bathed in rivers. Definitely something I never expected myself to do. God is good.

Dream Vacation: My dream vacation is to Italy and/or Greece. To taste the food, see the architecture, to just be part of it all.

Favorite Food: Can't say I have a favorite restaurant or food. I just love to eat.

Favorite TV Show: We do not watch much TV at all. We don't even have cable, but we did have a love for LOST and now Mad Men.

Favorite Movies: I have three favorite movies, The Holiday, It's Complicated, and Something's Gotta Give. They are my feel good movies that I can watch time and time again. Plus the sets are all so gorgeous.

Favorite Treat: My favorite treat hands down is strawberry shortcake. I am not one who really enjoys chocolate.

Favorite Book: My favorites book besides the Bible would be Trail of Crumbs by Kim Sunee.

How do you like to relax? To relax I pick up a pile of magazines curl up on the couch and just get lost in it all. A cup of tea with a spot of honey is the only thing that can make that any better.

5 LOVES... My kiddos, my husband, fresh flowers, clean sheets, and photography.

5 DISLIKES... gossip, hate, a dirty house, oreo cookies, and chocolate cake. 

Thanks Paula! I must say, those are some of my favorite movies as well! The sets are a big reason for my liking them too... sometimes I'll just pause at a house scene and look at how they designed the set/home. Too fun! That is great you were able to go to Ecuador. What an experience! I'd love to hear more about that. I'm always one for an adventure! Loved getting to know you better!

Happy Things~Guest Blogger: Ollibird

Where in the world did this week go? All of a sudden it is Friday! Hello Friday! So, of course that means it is time to have another guest tell us what makes her happy.


Truth be told, I'm so crazy impressed with my guest, Alma Loveland, from Ollibird. I have NO IDEA where to begin telling you about her! We first met when I took an Illustrator class from her. Um... by the way, I am so not smart when it comes to using computer programs like Illustrator, so, Alma,I am in need of another course! She is EXTREMELY talented with graphic design and she and her husband are the perfect art/talent super-star-couple! For reals! So, that is not all... in addition to having her own business and teaching classes, she designs bags and planner paper for Franklin Covey. In fact, I get to think about her every day because I happen to own and use, on a daily basis, one of the planners that she designed. And that is not all (I feel like an infomercial now), but you'll just have to visit her site and blog to find out more about this very talented and super sweet gal!

What do you want to be when you grow up:

I have got to be honest, I really feel like I'm living the dream right now. I run my own business, set my own schedule, have a great husband and a perfect baby boy. And my husband and I even have rented an office where we get to switch off working days and parenting days. So I get some uninterrupted days of work at the office, and some work-free days of play (and cleaning and cooking and laundry) with my son. Things aren't perfect (not including a photo of my living room or kitchen or bedroom or laundry room right now... the baby's room is immaculate though, just for the record) (okay, that's a lie---it was immaculate YESTERDAY and I can clean it up again quickly once he's done napping) but we're really really happy.

Product you can't live without:

Adobe Illustrator. It's my bread and butter. I use it daily and I teach it. And I can honestly say that it has played a role in getting me where I am today career-wise and family-wise, since it was some illustrations that I did in Illustrator that first caught my husband's attention.

Favorite place you've been:

I lived in Rome for about 7 months and have a hard time planning to go back and visit, simply because I don't think I can ever catch that feeling that I had when I was there as a visitor. It would have to be a semi-permanent move. Like stay there for a year or two.

Dream vacation:

Somewhere with a quiet beach, good food, and no phone or internet. Actually, ANYWHERE with no phone or internet. It's my goal to take a wireless vacation in the next year or so.

Favorite Restaurant/Food:
I have no particular favorite per se, but I like restaurants where you can get good-quality, simple food, like Pizzeria 712 in Orem, Utah. It's not a chain, so sorry for everyone who lives outside of Utah!

Favorite TV Show:

I love Chopped on the Food Network.

Favorite movie:

Moulin Rouge. If I'm working on something, I can have that on in the background back to back and not get tired of it!

Favorite treat:

Too many to count. But let's just simplify it as "chocolate."

How do you like to relax:

It depends on the day, but right now, I'm imagining comfy clothes, a big comfy couch, and a good movie.

5 LOVES:

being a mom---seriously the BEST, being married to an artist---I get to commission whatever paintings I want, good design, of course, spending time with family, road trips.

5 HATES:

that stupid tamper-proof packaging that you can only open with scissors, as well as price tags on merchandise that don't peel off easily, causing you to have to wash the new product and scrub to get all the sticky stuff off, rancid rags, outdoor Halloween lights (especially when put up in September), Papyrus font, people who break traffic rules out of politeness

Thanks Alma!  I wish I could have a teaspoon of your talent!  

You're amazing and I loved learning more about you!

Happy Weekend one and all!   

And to all you Mother's, I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day! 

xoxo

Happy Things~Guest Blogger: Petit Elefant

Today, Allison from Petit Elefant Blog is answering a few questions so we can get to know her better 

and find out what makes her happy!  We met a few months back, and I have to say, 

she is very kind and happy person, plus I love her sense of humor!  

You'll see when you check out her blog, she has a great sense of humor.  

She has a lifestyle blog where she shares all her favorite tips and finds. 

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Well, what I wanted to be when I was little was either a journalist, a la Christiane Amanpour, or a National Geographic photographer.  I'm totally happy what I'm doing now, blogging, writing, taking photographs, traveling, being a mom. 

Product you can't live without?

It's this sunscreen/moisturizer called Nia 24. I seriously squeeze the last drop out of the tube, I love it that much.  It smells like heaven, is a super high SPF, and makes me feel luxurious!  

Favorite place you've been?

It's a toss up between Puerto Vallarta, Mexico {which is as close to heaven as I can imagine} and Boston, Ma.  Isn't that weird, they're so different, but I loved them both.

Dream vacation?

Bahamas, Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba.  I'd love to see all those places with my family.  Spend a year just traveling, staying in little huts on beaches with my husband and kids.  In my dreams, this is where I'd go. 

Favorite Restaurant/Food?

I love really, really good Mexican.  Utah's actually pretty decent when it comes to Mexican, but there was this place in San Diego, this tiny little shack off the beach that had the best burritos ever.  I'll take Cafe Rio chicken salad any day of the week though.

Favorite TV show?

Well, right now it's a toss up between Modern Family {start watching today if you aren't already.  Hi-to-the-LARIOUS} and Vampire Diaries.  I love them both for different reasons, but I can't miss either of them.

Favorite movie?

Room with a View?  The Mission?  Ferris Bueller's Day off?  Empire of the Sun?  I have a lot of favorites.

Favorite treat?

Black licorice.  I can eat a whole bag all by myself.

How do you like to relax?

Sitting on the beach with a cold drink and a tabloid magazine.  Doesn't get better than that.  I like to run, go antiquing, thrifting, decorate, garden, travel.  

5 LOVES: movies- they're the best, diet dr. pepper, my FAVORITE, my bed--slumber heaven, my husband and kids, can't live without them, travel.

5 HATES: mean, shallow people, my forest green carpet, cold weather, fish, I hate the fact that I can't be 10 places at the same time.

Thanks Allison for sharing the things that make you happy!   I'm a lover of Dr. Pepper too! 
And I am also a fan of Modern Family, thus the post below on Julie Bowen's house.
I have yet to see Vampire Diaries.  I think I need to check it out!

Happy Day everyone!

GIVEAWAY + Happy Things~Guest:Christine/ LAMA Designs

I'm excited to have Christine from LAMA Designs as a guest today.  She will be sharing the things that make her happy along with a fun GIVEAWAY!  I met the lovely Christine while at ALT Summit, and she is a very kind, fun, and happy person.  I love that Christine followed her heart when trying to find what she wanted to do.  "Influenced by her love for design and passion for travel, she decided she would search the world for beautiful objects that were dreamt up and created by others who shared her fanaticism for the fabulous." Then, she created a fun store to share her exotic finds with others!  LAMA Designs means Latin America in the Modern Age. Love her slogan! She also has a great blog here.

The lucky winner of today's giveaway 

will win her choice of the 

blue/green or pink/purple fiesta flags!

Add instant flair year round to any space with these cheerful fiesta flags! Each beautifully designed original pattern is the creative work of designer Pablo Ferraro. Committed to creating environmentally friendly products, Pablo uses 100% cotton that has not been bleached or treated with toxins harmful to the environment. In Pablo's words, "All our designs are handprinted and we work on a small scale to manage a local, environmental and socially responsible company." Fabulous, fun, festive and earth-friendly. It doesn't get much better than that! Length: Approximately 14 Feet

           
What do you want to be when you grow up?

I'm fortunate enough to be living out one of my dream jobs at the moment, owning my own boutique shop! Down the line, I would love to be a stylist on photo shoots all over the world. I hope to eventually make my way back to interior design and perhaps retire as a dog groomer. I have a passion for pooches and products. Put those together and you'll have the amazing dog salon I plan to open someday. I already have a name picked out!

Product you can't live without?
My iPhone for sure. I don't know what I did before I had a smart phone. 

Favorite place you've been? 

The rainforest in Ecuador. It was pure magic. I spent hours walking around with a monkey toddler. We played and ate sugar cane together. I'll never forget what his little hand felt like in mine.

Dream vacation?
Spain! I've always wanted to visit the Southern coastal areas of Spain leading down to Morocco. 

Favorite Restaurant/Food?
I grew up eating a lot of Asian food and I generally prefer it to almost anything else. Thai is a close second to Korean food. I love Korean bbq, tofu soups, and kimchi. 

Favorite TV show?
At the moment, Mad Men. Everything about that show is gorgeous.

Favorite movie?
I'm really into high brow chick flicks. The two that I can watch over and over again are Lost In Translation and Broken English. Every time I'm at home alone, I watch one of the two. 

Favorite treat?
Green tea boba. It's been my favorite treat since I was 15 years old. What is there not to love about sweet tea, tapioca, graphic cups, and giant straws.

How do you like to relax or what is a hobby you enjoy?
I love taking long walks with my dog Miles and my iPod shuffle. Music and Miles are all I need to relax. 

5 LOVES: 

Design Blogs, Technology and Gadgets, Travel, Friends/Family, Music

5 HATES:

Cruelty to animals, Cold weather, A lack of compassion for others, Complacency ,Vertical Blinds

 Enter to win LAMA's  fantastic giveaway! I think these fiesta flags are perfect for summer!

Guidelines:

*You have up to 4 chances to enter

(let me know in the comments which entries you have completed)

1. Check out LAMA Designs and find what items you love....then in the comment section leave your name, email and tell me what is your favorite piece of jewelry.

(example: Alisa at apinacoladablog@gmail Love the fiesta flags)

2. Tell your friends (through Facebook, Twitter) to come on by! Or, post my button on your blog.

Then tell me you did (example: Alisa: twitter & facebook)

3. Become a subscriber (on sidebar), or Follower (link on top bar). (example: Alisa: became a follower)

4.Do a post on my giveaway on your blog and link over to my site letting your reading know about this fun giveaway. (example: Alisa: did a post and linked to you)

*giveaway starts today, April 23rd

and ends

Wednesday night at midnight,

MST April 28th.

*Winner will be announced Thursday morning.
*If you'd rather not leave an email because of concerns with spam, shoot me an email telling me you entered so I can contact you easily.

Happy Things~Guest: Simple Lovely

So, I usually have my Happy Things guest on Friday, but last week we went to Las Vegas for Spring break and I was busy entertaining my little ones.  The wait was worth it though! Because today my guest is Joslyn from Simple Lovely.  I'm not meaning to be too cheesy, but I'm going to say I love her blog because it is...Simple & Lovely.  Joslyn and I briefly met at the ALT Summit conference in January and she is quite a lovely person indeed.  It was great getting to know her better and I'm sure you'll just love her too (that is if you already don't)! 

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I used to think there was one (elusive) perfect job for me...but now I think it might be better to have sort of an agglomeration of interesting jobs that feed different parts of my personality.  I have a day job running the Web site for a Global software company, + I do some freelance writing on the side and have my personal Simple Lovely and food Raising Foodies blogs. It’s a good mix of the things I enjoy and seems pretty perfect for me right now.  I also think there’s something pretty powerful about embracing where you are in life rather than always searching for the next thing.

 Product you can't live without? 

My all time favorite product is Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer…but I’m also a huge fan of Kiehls Crème de Corps.  

Favorite place you've been?

Without a doubt, Big Sur…that entire stretch of the California coastline is pure magic.

Dream vacation?

It’s not exotic, but I’m dying to go on a family trip to Paris.  My oldest daughter is a total Francophile (truth be told I am too), and I’m so excited to experience that city with her.  I’m hoping to go in the next few years when my youngest is a smidge older…

 Favorite Restaurant/Food?

This tends to change based on my mood and the season, but I’m always up for great Thai food…especially green curry and fresh rolls.

Favorite TV show?

I don’t watch a lot of TV, but I’m addicted to 30 Rock and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart 

Favorite movie?

I love all of Wes Anderson’s movies.  The Royal Tenenbaums is at the tippy top of my list.

Favorite treat?

Dark chocolate gelato…

How do you like to relax or what is a hobby you enjoy?

I love to read (I always have a few books going at one time), but with the girlies it’s hard to find time, so I’m also a big fan of family bike rides. 

            5 LOVES:

1.       Family road trips (I get loads of reading done in the car, so it kills two birds with one stone)

2.       Riding my bike

3.       Taking the girlies to the museum

4.       Alice Waters – love her philosophy and the impact she’s made on the way we think about food

5.       Great music – currently Vampire Weekend, Sondre Lerche and Carla Bruni are on heavy rotation 

5 HATES: 

1.       Mean people

2.       Gossip

3.       Bad food (life’s too short to eat bad food…especially processed food.  I’m specifically thinking about  Twinkies)

4.       Texas summers -- I’ve lived here for over a decade, and I’m still not used to the crazy heat of August.

5.       Purposeful Ignorance – I love that we live in a country where everyone can have their own opinions and beliefs, but I think life is so much richer and more interesting when we take the time to find out what other people are about. 

Joslyn, thanks for being a guest.  We share many "favorite things."  I am a huge fan of Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer, love 30 Rock and Vampire Weekend, and Thai Food is my all time fave.  I'm so with you on bad food.  Why eat junk when there is such amazing yumminess out there? Oh, and the gelato thing...I could savor any flavor, as long as it is real gelato. ( I am now doing the Italian kiss of fingers and sending off the love)

Happy Things~ Guest:No Biggie!

It's that time of week again!  My guest is Kami from No Biggie!

In February, I highlighted some cute mailboxes she made for Valentines. 

Her blog is a great go-to for tips and crafts.
We met at the ALT conference in January, and discovered that she is an old high school friend of my brother.  We had never met until now, and I'm so glad we did.  She is so fun and so talented. 

Here are 10 Things that make Kami Happy:

1. That moment when you first lay down to go to bed at night. Knowing that you can relax and think about anything, or nothing at all, and just fall asleep... Ahhh sleep!

2. My little family - I love the nights when we are all home together. I love seeing my husband play and wrestle with our kids; it's the best!

3. Coke Slurpees or "Icees" from Common Cents. They are my favorite!

4. Eating Out: Chin Wah for Chinese, Restaurant Morelia for Mexican, and In N Out for Burgers and Fries - Yum! Now I'm hungry!

5. Thrifting! Oh the things you can find at a thrift store! One of my favorites: Milk Glass!

6. Blogging - I have met some wonderful friends via blogs that I otherwise would have not. A blog is a great way to get to know someone and to find out what they really like and what THEY want to talk about.  

7. Julie & Julia the movie - It was my most favorite movie this last year. I identified with it on so many levels: the food, the cooking, the blogging, the infertility of Julia... and the FOOD! I loved it! 

8. Left-overs for breakfast - I've never been much for sweet breakfast type foods (ie: pancakes, waffles). Pizza for breakfast?! YUM!

9. My Tivo'd shows - Right Now, The Modern Family is my favorite. I have a thing for Phil Dunphy, he's hilarious! 

10. Paper Crafts - Although I'm not a scrapbooker (GASP!), I do love all the awesome paper and tools available, because of scrapbooking. 

Thanks Kami! Love your list!  Although I totally disagree with you about breakfast food! :)

I love it, especially for dinner.  No love? For reals?! Have you ever had crepes? German Pancakes? OK I'm so sharing my German Pancakes recipe with you and then I know you'll change your mind.  

Totally agree about the movie Julie and Julia.  Loved it!

Happy Friday everyone! 

I'm off to celebrate my anniversary in Park City/Midway. Yea!

Happy Things~Guest: Or So She Says...

Today I have 2 guest bloggers Mariel & Jessica.
One thing I love about these ladies is that they know their stuff,
and if they don't....they soon will!  They will tackle any topic and will
research answers to any question! For reals!
Their blog Or So She Says...is very entertaining and very informative.
Their answers to my interview questions basically give you a taste of their humorous 

personalities and informative nature! Here are Mariel and Jessica.   
By the way, they are cousins! 

What is my dream job?  Actually, being a stay-at-home mom is exactly what I want to be!  My home is my haven for creativity and I LOVE being creative.  I don’t know where else in the world I could be that would allow me to explore so many of the wonders of life that interest me.  Home is the best place on earth!  Okay, but say I HAD to pick a job, what would it be? I would be a grunt-worker at a local nursery (the people that water the plants…J…weird, I know.), I could also enjoy being a “buyer” for a large department store (I have a tendency to think I can outfit a store better than what I see done), it would be fun to own a local bakery in a small town (I love desserts and like to think I can make people happy with mine), maybe I would be one of those author’s that hides away in their house in the mountains and pens fabulous (hopefully) story after story. 
Product I can’t live without: Oh, how about…tampons.  Wouldn’t life be miserable without them??  Ugh…I shudder to think.  Maybe, good old-fashioned Chapstick…it’s so necessary to have that stuff on hand at all times, living here in Utah. 
Favorite Place I’ve Been:  I’ve lived all over the country, growing up.  And, lame…but, I don’t think I can pick a favorite!  There are pluses and minuses about each place. 
Dream Vacation: I would love to go to Germany/Austria/Hungary and do the WWII tour, I would love to go to Israel and tour Jerusalem and the places where Christ walked, I don’t know anything about Ireland but think it would be a great place to go, and Maine.  Maine is one of the few states I haven’t been too…I want to rent a house there on Lake Kezar (voted one of National Geographic’s top 3 most beautiful lakes in the WORLD!) 
Favorite Restaurant:  I love going to ABC Mandarin in Roy, Utah.  I love Chinese food but it’s SO hard to find a place worthy of returning to over and over.  
Favorite TV Show:  I really LOVE cuddling up with my husband at the end of the day and watching a fun show.  Fun show = American Idol, The Bachelor (I have no shame), 24, Lost, The Office…you know, pretty much what everyone else likes!  Quirky shows I like = Intervention (documentaries of drug/or other addicts), Million Dollar Listing (those guys live in a different world!), and Tabatha’s Salon Takeover (I wouldn’t mind having her job!). 
Favorite Movie:  Of all time, it would be Funny Girl. I am basically obsessed with musicals.  I particularly love: Annie, Pete’s Dragon, Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, Oliver, Phantom of the Opera, and Mamma Mia.  One movie that isn’t a musical that I love it called, “The War” with Kevin Costner.  It brings back memories of being a kid and some of the struggles they have.  
Favorite Treat:  Birthday cake.  You know the kind, cheap box mix that’s frosted with butter cream.  Oh, baby!  Whoo!  Get’s me excited just thinking about it!  I also love hot desserts with ice cream on top (brownies, peach cobbler, bread puddings, etc.).  
What do I love about blogging:  Probably, making new friends and helping others.  Its fun to spew my thoughts and ideas but it really makes me happy when I get an email or a comment saying how helpful a post was.  I love that, it keeps me going.  I have also met (well, “cyber-met”) lots of fabulous women that I would love to REALLY meet in person!  I love to hear their ideas and to get to know them.  One of these days, Jessica and I will have to plan a little “get-together”. 
How do I balance life?  Becoming “balanced” is a constant struggle.  And, I actually think life is supposed to be that way.  There are SO many aspects of life that we should not ignore and are key to being our “best self”.  We need to improve ourselves at all times:  we need to constantly educate ourselves, take care of our bodies, be loving and attentive mothers/wives, have a relationship with God, contribute to society and the needs of our friends/neighbors, love ourselves and be at peace with who we are, maintain a clean and loving home environment, appreciate nature, doesn’t the list go on forever?  Seems like.  I think the important thing is to just KEEP TRYING with the knowledge that perfection is unattainable (in this life), and to recognize that the most balanced people are the most happy. 
How do I relax?  I used to relax by going on long drives alone, or on a nature walk/hike.  I used to lie in bed and read a great book.  I used to listen to lots and lots of music.  I used to craft all the time!  Sometimes, I can round the kids up to go outside…and I will work in the yard.  I love that.  But, it seems like once I get going, I’m interrupted by a poopie diaper, scraped knee, kid in the road, and endless cries of boredom and hunger.  Those days will come again, but for now…I relax by putting the kids to bed!  Then I hop in the tub, go for a jog, or just cuddle up with my man.  We love to get a babysitter and go out to eat and golfing!  Sometimes, I hide in the office and mess around on the computer (like, right now!)

Things That Make Me Cringe – When people lie or have an exaggeration problem, when girls do that fake-high-super-happy/annoying voice on a regular basis, onions, mayonnaise, drunk people, insecure women that flaunt and degrade their bodies and the men that take advantage of it, when people don’t take responsibility for their own lives/actions and expect/demand others to, my stretched out belly skin, being in crowds, roller coasters, swimming in deep water, spiders, g-strings, profanity, when parents let their kids walk all over them, having my arm pits touched, my crooked tooth, swallowing pills, long fingernails (on me), being in the car/tent/bed when someone farts.

Things That Make Me Smile – C.S. Lewis, A great musical, a thriving plant, flowers, flowers, flowers, the smiles of my children, a ultra-dramatic reality show, James Taylor, Rosie Thomas, Don Williams, volleyball, golfing, watching the Utah Jazz (in the play-offs only), ice water, grape juice, Chili’s Southwestern Eggrolls, Applebee’s Blondie, Papa John’s pizza crust, Chapstick, Gold Bond Lotion, shoes, jewelry, clothes!, getting my hair washed at the salon, juicy strawberries, smoothies, gravy on anything!...especially mashed potatoes and biscuits, ladybugs, birds, computers, taking a bath, pajamas, Haflinger slippers, Vitamin E oil for my face, dictionaries…I love new words!, getting my face tickled, doing nice things for others, holidays, decorating, politics, English, writing children’s stories, reading educational books, funny movies, avocados, dating my husband, Disney movies, willow trees, aspen trees, Christmas trees in my house, flip-flops, making holiday crafts, vacationing, going to plays, seeing others happy, teaching, meeting new people, history, exploring, Capitol Reef National Park, Oregon, New York, Kelly green, wearing dresses, the sound of the pitter patter my kid’s feet make running down the hall, kissing my baby’s cheeks, getting a letter/card in the mail, a clean house, no laundry to do (has yet to happen), going to the nursery to buy new plants, and big hugs!

 My dream job: Hm... For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be a volunteer in the Red Cross, or someone who travels all over the world helping people in need.  For now though, I'm more than happy doing my part by nurturing and teaching my kids. 
A product I can't live without: lotion and lip balm. I can't stand having dry skin or chapped lips.  My favorites are Lubriderm Lotion and C.O Bigelows Rose Salve by Bath and Body Works. 
My favorite place:  I've been blessed to visit Mexico, Hondouras, Hawaii, Ecuador, and all over the US.  I was fortunate enough to be able to live in Ecuador for 4 months and help in orphanages.  I lived in the beautiful town of Cuenca.  The weather was perfect, 60-80 degrees all the time.  The people were so nice, there was a lot of historical places to visit, flower markets (most of the US's flowers come from Ecuador) produce markets, cafes, cathederals and beautiful children who I had the pleasure of helping.  I would go back in a heartbeat.
My dream vacation:  To tour Europe with my husband.  (But he has no desire to go, so maybe with some GIRLS!)  France, Italy, Greece, Germany, and also, the Netherlands.  Eating lots of breads, cheeses, chocolate and seeing all of the beautiful buildings.  Hopefully one day!
My favorite Restaurant:  So I'm a bit biased on this one because I worked there for 12 years on and off.  The Mandarin Restaurant in Bountiful, Utah.  Oh Baby.  Talk about THE BEST CHINESE.  The hour or more wait every weekend proves it!
My favorite TV Show: The Gilmore Girls.  I love it.  But I also love The Bachelor/Bachelorette, Survivor, The Office, House, Iron Chef, Americas Next Top Model and Intervention.  Many many guilty pleasures from TV my friends. 
My favorite movie:  Oooh this is a tie between Gone With The Wind and Funny Girl.  Because they're so depressing and their "man" leaves? I don't know.  I think it's because I'm a total weepy, blubbering, prince charming and Cinderella romantic at heart. Ugh.  Sometimes I hate it because I let myself get too emotionally involved:)
My favorite treat:  Hands down ice cream, Lt Dan!  Coffee flavored to be exact, but I'm not picky. 
What you love about Blogging: it has really taught me to see both sides of everything.  I think sometimes I can be a bit close minded and it's great to see from peoples comments what they think about certain things and to give their viewpoint.  Also, meeting and "talking" to many great women who have many similar interests, goals and struggles. 
How do you try to balancing all of the responsibilities in life?  I think my husband is great for me when it comes to this.  I am a perfectionist and a person who "can't say no," and it usually ends up biting me "you know where!"  He is the first one to remind me I don't need to be perfect.  It's ok that there are dishes in the sink and that I didn't get to the last load of laundry.  But are the kids happy?  Do they know you love 'em?  He's great at sweetly reminding me about what is most important.  Reading, running, taking baths, cooking and watching tv with my hubby at night are my ideal ways to relax.
Things I love- puppies, newly sharpened pencils, brand new books, hearing my kids laugh from their tummies, ice cream, rain, writing letters and thank you notes, bubble baths, music, history, World War 2 books, falling asleep next to my husband, being organized, popcorn, journaling, being called mom, helping people, sleeping with the window open, purses, Nauvoo, Illinois, back rubs, ice water, my kids breath when they were babies, homemade pickles, gardening, summer nights,pleasing people, running, Fourth of July, musicals/plays, nature, new notebooks and journals, salt and vinegar chips, clean sheets, kids books, red vines, biographies, the 1930's, romantic movies, campfires, decorating, perfumes, traveling and my family.
Things I don't love- balloons, cocky people, seafood, heavy metal and rap music, bad breath, mean people, black licorice, tube tops, ironing, mice, ungrateful people, mud, slow drivers and confrontations. 

Thanks for the interview ladies! 

So fun finding out more about you. 
You're both so fun, amazing, and talented!

Happy Things~Guest: My Favorite Things

 

I mean seriously...how cute is this pic?

Today my guest for my Happy Things series is Molly from My Favorite Things.

I was a guest on her blog a few months back for her Friday Favorites,  

so, I'm excited to now have her as a guest on my blog.

I love visiting her blog to check out what her favorite things are.

Molly has great taste and a fun personality! 

You'll understand what I mean when you read her answers and check her blog. 

On a side note, Molly... your favorite movie isn't Sound of Music? Come on!? :) I thought that was a given.  By the way, Favorite Things was the name of my blog when I first started blogging.... 

that was, until I found Molly and her blog. Obviously, I then changed it.  But I still love the name! 

Great minds, great minds.:)

  

What is your dream job?

A professional organizer 

Product you can't live without?

Carmex 

Favorite place you've been?

Australia 

Dream vacation?

To Travel all over Europe 

Favorite Restaurant?

Right now I'm loving Grimaldi's 

Favorite TV show?

House + Burn Notice + Modern Family {sorry, I couldn't pick just one} 

Favorite movie?

Not sure but I do love Anne of Green Gables 

Favorite treat?

Any type of baked good.  I am a huge sucker for sweets.

What do you love about blogging?

I love all the brilliant ideas that are floating around the blogging world.  The talent that is right at my finger tips is amazing.   

What is your secret to trying to balance all of your responsibilities in your life?

I am still trying to figure that one out.  Prioritizing is key.  My boys come first, always.

How do you like to relax or what is a hobby you enjoy?

I love to read, oh how I love books.  I have a fondness for organizing.

And a nice hot bubble bath at the end of the day really hits the spot. 

5 LOVES
surprise mail, dessert, cheese, traveling, my boys {all three}

5 HATES
gossip, clutter, budgeting, bullies, public restrooms

  Thanks for being a guest Molly!  It was great getting to know you a little better. 

I love books too, however, I have gotten out of the habit of reading since my last babe. 

I think you've inspired me.  I REALLY NEED to get started again.  

 My TO READ list is getting a bit out of control!

Happy Friday!  Hope ya'll have a fabulous weekend.

Maybe, just maybe, I'll pick up a book and tackle one of my projects that are on the TO Do list.

M.A.Y.B.E.

xoxo

Happy Things~Guest: Frolic!

 

Did I say frolic!?

Um.....Yes! I did!

Chelsea, the talented genius behind frolic is my guest today.  

I have loved reading and following her blog for quite some time now.  

She was one of the first blogs I started reading before I entered into this blog world .  

She is a prop stylist and floral designer living in Portland, Oregon.

I've said it before, and I know I'm going to say it again.....I love getting to know other bloggers!  

You are going to love getting to know Chelsea I little bit more!

  

Credits: Photography: Lisa Warninger; Dresses/Fashion Styling: Elizabeth Dye/ The English Dept; Hairpieces: Twigs & Honey; 
Model: Anna Adams and Prop + Floral Styling: Chelsea Fuss

What is your dream job? A flower farmer.
What is a product you can't live without? Burt's Bees
Favorite place you've been? Crete
Dream vacation? Australia

Favorite Restaurant? Le Happy ( a tiny crepe place in Portland)
Favorite TV show? Glee
Favorite movie? Right now it's Bright Star.
Favorite treat? Cheese and olives.
What do you love about blogging? I love the community and I've learned that the blog community can be extremely powerful when it comes to creating new ideas or helping someone out. 

What is your secret to trying to balance all of your responsibilities in your life? I wish I knew the secret. I struggle to keep things balanced. I am learning the importance of organizing, lists, and scheduling my time better but I am the one who needs advice on this!:)

How do you like to relax or what is a hobby you enjoy? I love being outside whether it's hiking, bicycling, or just roaming a meadow and if I have my camera along, all the better!

 5 LOVES-

Cheese, Hyacinths, Bare-feet, Live music, Mail 

 5 HATES

Contention, Managing money, Picky eaters (I am horribly intolerant), Magazines in a bathroom, Malls

 

photography is by Lisa Warninger and Prop + Floral Styling by Chelsea Fuss

Thanks Chelsea!
Loved your answers and loved learning more about you!  

Wish we lived closer and we could have a flower farm together...how fun would that be? 

I've always wanted to own a floral shop and create beautiful arrangements! 

Happy Things~Guest: Lilac & Ivy

Today I have a guest!  

I find it so interesting and fun to learn about and learn from other people, 

so I am starting a series that I'm calling "Happy Things."  

Periodically I am going to have a guest from another blog that I love answer some questions.  

I hope you enjoy this!  If you have any feedback or comments, I 'd love to hear them!

Guest: Sarah Bradley from Lilac & Ivy. 

Sarah and I became friends at the Alt Conf. in Salt Lake City that I went to a few weeks back. 

Not only does she have a great blog, she has an event planning company too.  

I'm super jealous!  What a fun job!  

She is very creative and talented and I hope you enjoy getting to know her better.

What is your dream job? I love everything online related. I graduated college with a journalism degree and wish I’d emphasized in online/new media instead of magazines. So with that said, if I didn’t have to go back to school to get reeducated I’d love to be involved in the cutting edge of online media. I’m obsessed with blogging and twittering and I foresee online media only growing in market share. But, since I have little interest in going back to school, I’ve recently launched my event planning company, Lilac & Ivy, which has also always been a dream. I love design, organization and parties so this is a perfect fit!

What is a product you can't live without?

I’m absolutely in love with Origins Checks and Balances face wash and their organic Tonic. In fact, I love their mask and scrub for oily skin too.  
Favorite place you've been?

I absolutely adore new cities. Last fall my husband and I took a trip to Greece and I fell in love with the islands. It was so relaxing and I foresee us visiting again. But in general, each new city I visit becomes a favorite for different things whether it is for the shopping, architecture, people, or restaurants.  
Dream vacation?

A month long vacation around Italy.
Favorite Restaurant?

I have several. In Arizona where I grew up it’s Serrano’s which has the best Sonoran Mexican food and Z’Tejas which has amazing Southwestern fare. In my new hometown, Charlotte, I love Alexander Michael’s which is Southern food with a Cajun twist. 

Favorite TV Show?

Right now I’m loving Damages of FX. It’s a smart drama with some fanatic acting by Glenn Close.
Favorite Movie?

Life is Beautiful. It’s an amazing love story.
Favorite Treat?

Warm baked goods are always right at the top of my list.
What do you love about blogging?

I love the amazing people it has allowed me to “meet” and the unlimited amounts of inspiration I discover on a daily basis. Some days my head is so full of inspiration and I feel so excited that it seems my head might explode!

What is your secret to balancing life?

This is a constant battle that I face everyday. But one thing that I’ve learned is to say no to things that I don’t want to do. If I get talked into doing something I’ll dread it and won’t give 100% which isn’t fair for the person I said yes to or me.

What do you love to do?

I love reading and could spend hours getting lost in pages. I also enjoy a great movie to just veg out for a few hours.
5 Loves

My family, Sweets, Blogging, The Internet, Traveling

5 Hates

Racism, Apathy, Laziness, A dirty house, Arguing

Thanks Sarah!  I loved getting to know you better and love your answers!