Tuesday, February 9, 2010

#9. Pearl Harbor (top HI memories)

I was extremely humbled as I visited Pearl Harbor, a sacred site. I was intrigued as I read about the heroic lives that stand as an essential part of US history. I walked about truly touched with a greater understanding of what happened on 12/7/1941. I come from a family of some serious history buffs, and usually I'm the odd ball out (mostly civil war sites). Although I didn't fully appreciate this experience years ago, I will forever be grateful for the distinct feelings I had here recently.

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There was a survivor of Pear Harbor there walking around. I was pleased to meet him and shake his hand. I don't imagine there are too many left considering this attack happened 69 yeas ago.

I wanted to read survivors stories after being here. I walked away with this book that I strongly recommend if this interests you.

(sister Helen above)

My Poppa, Nelson Abell, was a submarine officer in WWII. It was neat to walk though the submarine catching a glimpse of what it was like to be in his footsteps.



Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Adopting another's goals as my own...

Aren't these amazing? Defiantly worth aspiring for...

These come from my friend Heidi Stork in Illinois who is actually one of my customers.

This year I really thought hard about my decade goals and where I wanted to be in 10 years.

For the year, I commited myself to better skin care and daily viatamins. But I neglected the spiritual things that I can be mindful of every day.

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Thank you Heidi for your example.


Tuesday, February 2, 2010

#7. Smooth Sailing (top HI memories)


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The first few hours we covered some ground by motor. The later half we 'put up the sails.' It was so neat! I felt like the boat was going to tip. This pic doesn't do it justice but Andrew rode it out a bit at the bow. Such a hottie--my lover!




The all of us

I'm critical when I see other people posting pics of themselves in swimsuits on facebook. But I love my suit and this pic of us, so there.



Jumping off the front was a riot.
My dad is a rock.
My husband has a 'sick' toe-touch.
My sister does everything with grace--even jumping off the boat.
My brother is 'the best catch in the sea.'




Saints Week

I got a text from my mom Sunday night which read the following:

Dear Fam. This is Saints Week. So start wearing something Saints every day. That means Cutler in his Brees shirt! (not sure what that is) Me in my Coach windbreaker. Harold and MM in their shirts (she has sent us many). Lil Dixon in his face sticker (tattoo). Etc. Have fun. This is our week!!! Believe!!!!!!

The exclamation points are no exaggeration. I can't say I've always been nuts about the Saints. But my mom always has been. She is ecstatic right now. I have gotten no less than 2 pics a day of the Saint's crest or something relaying her or someone elses pride.
So let's go Saints!

This was 1 of the many pics I've received via phone in the last few days.


Saturday, January 30, 2010

#6. Scuba Diving (top HI memories)



Deciding to get certified for scuba diving was one of my better decisions in life. There truly is another world under the sea. It passes my understanding. The sea turtles just leave you speechless. I can't even begin to describe the emotions of swimming with the sea turtles. I love them so much.

We went to 4 completely different dive sights. The first consisted of arches an alleys of coral to swim through. It wasn't the place for a clastaphobic (sp?) person. We had seen turtles swimming around but I found this particular one that was nuzzled into a dark part of the coral where the sun didn't reach. I put my mask right up to his noise and we were face to face. He didn't budge either. Some of the others would swim away when you singled them out. I was having a moment there eye to eye with what I think is the most amazing creature ever. The ocean is so serial--even though there is activity around, the deep breaths of oxygen are really soothing. And then there was the faint noise of whales calling back and forth. I'm trying to describe it but doing a terrible job. I've dreamed of swimming with turtles since I can remember. I had no expectation to see any thing else. So when we saw the Octopus ink and the Eel looking creepy, I maxed out a threshold of enjoyment I didn't know I could experience.

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I didn't get a steady hand on this shot. But still worth posting. I lost count of all the killer whales we saw. These pictures were taken as we were headed out to sea for diving.

This might be my favorite. I love the water trailing behind his tail.

I wasn't able to get a picture, but on a separate occasion we saw a little baby whale swimming next to his mom. He kept trying to jump out of the water like her. His little body was doing the tinniest splash our of water. He would jump probably 5 times to her .


Free Willy!


I actually emailed this pic in to the "Great White Trail." If you get a good pic of the tail, they want to add it to their records to track where it is going. No two tails are alike. So I did my service there. Maybe I will hear back that he was in Alaska 6 months ago. Wishful thinking...




Our instructor said this is probably a male looking to mate because he is playfully slapping his tail back and forth. I didn't get a pic but the neatest thing ever was seeing a whale on his belly with his noose out of water and flapping his tail back and forth. He was just floating there with the curve in his back to have his body under water but his noose and tail out.


Thursday, January 28, 2010

Felt Pixel Rug

My last day of the convention, I had a chance to walk around and see the show floor. I was taken back when I saw the display of a multi-colored felt rug in one of the booths. The vendor was a felt manufacturer out of Nepal, India. So they don't sell to the public. The rug was simply a display of how the felt could be used. I stoped and stared. I had fallen in love with virtually the same thing at Anthrologie. But a 4x6 is $600 and their 10x12 is $1,300. Apparently, it takes forever to ball up the felt and sew each indiviual piece together. I looked in to making my own wreath one time as seen here.

When I asked the lady standing close by, if I could buy the display, she didn't understand my English. She called another guy over who said he "would give it to me for next to nothing" because they were about to travel to their next show in Germany and shipping costs are high. When I asked how much he said $75. I didn't have any cash on me and I needed to return to our booth. But I couldn't stop thinking about it, so I went back and bartered him down to $60. He reminded me that it was worth much more but he didn't want to pay for its shipping cost. He was clearly frustrated a bit too. I can understand why though. Sometimes people get in the convention with a simple tax ID and they don't have a buisness to give them reason to be there. And they want to buy a piece of the booth. It's frustrating becuase we are there to move bulk from the warehouse. Not peazy things.

Thankfully, I got the rug. I lucked out. I'm still on my rug high, and I've had it for over 24 hours now.

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Bagmati is the manufacturer out of India that I bought my rug from. This pic above is one I got off their site. You can see the ladies hand sewing the product. It is neat to see how the lamb's wool is turned into this felt dye.

I'm so tall, I make the rug looked dwarfed above. It is bigger than it looks. I actually asked the guy if they supply the rug to Anthropologie. He said yes but it wasn't very convinving so I don't know. When I asked if I could potentially get another for a friend that was interested, he said he doesn't sell to the public and it was a display, but the third time I came around to the booth he said, if I let him know the demensions, he would have one made and bring it to the next show.

I pulled the following quote from their site. I'm humbled as I think of the work that went into it. "As the felt products are relatively simple to make, lot of under priviledged women have become involved in this industry. This in turn has helped in improving their living standard and empowered them."

This is the one from Antho.



#5. Fruit stands (top HI memories)

Loved having the fresh fruit stands at my fingertips--tons of fresh fruit. This Juice Stand was almost 'too fresh.' None of us finished ours--too strong.




Surprisingly, the pineapples are more expensive than I remembered them being. When we were in HI for basketball a few years ago, teammates were getting them for a buck and bringing them home. I didn't see one for under $5. Apparently, it is getting to be too expensive to farm them there so they are outsourcing to other countries. Sad.



Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Craft & Hobby Convention

I've been in Anahiem, CA for almost a week now for the huge crafting convention of the year. I posted about it last year here. I've been looking forward to the excitiment ever since. As much as I hate being apart from Drew this week, it has actually flown by for the most part becuase I've been so busy.

This past year has been a great one for American Crafts despite the economy. Sales are up. We've grown quite a bit. We have everything you could possibly need in the scrapbooking/crafting world--adhesives, albums, paper unlimited, ribbon unlimited, thickers of all sorts, stickers, embossing powders, stamps, inks, fabric. You name it, we have it. & just about in every color too. I think our catalog for wholesalers is about 200 pages.


But this recent release has been especially exciting. Liz Katchner co-designed a line through our design team. Although I didn't know who she was prior, I've enjoyed getting to know her. Not only was she scrapbooker of the year a few years back, but she also has her own column in Creating Keepsakes called Dear Lizzie--hence the name of her spring release. She just published her first book. Her blog has a loyal following too. When I saw her for the first time I recognized her from Nie Nie's post here. Hard to forget a pretty face.

Her line is adoreable. It sells itself. But it was nice to have the hype to go along with it too. If retail owners get so excited about the new releases, I can only imagine what goes on at the consumer level.


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I love the show for a lot of reasons. It's nice to travel with 20 people from the company as opposed to solo like I usually do. I really like meeting with all my top customers too. I love the interaction that my job brings. But dealing with product more in bulk as opposed to smaller quantities is nice. I really love my job. I never could have imiagined liking my job so much. But the time away from my husband is extremely hard and makes it a tough one.


I booked out my scheduale with appointments and stay busy the entire show. The last day everything lightens up. I had a chance to walk the floor a bit. I couldn't begin to see it all. But I got a glimpse. I can't even begin to get my mind around the art and beading side of things. The quilting and yarning sections run over me as well. Spools of yarn arranged and stacked by color are so beauitful though I will say. But that is the extent of what I recognize in those setups. The woodwork booths are impressive to see as well.


The convention was saturated with paper releases and di-cut machines. Di-cuts seem to be the thing right now. I can't even keep up. There was the silhouette, the slice, much more, and now the new cricut that can be using to cut out cake's icing. My goodness. I can't keep up with it all.


Except for American Crafts, who I love and am so proud to work for.





This is one of the 20 sectionals of our booth. I love our stamping section. It's so colorful.


Graphic 45 gets a lot of attention for their vintage scence and distressed papers. I really like what they have to offer and the way they display it.
I forget the name of this booth. Creativity Your Way maybe? I don't even know what they represent either. I just liked the diplays.


#4. Life of the Locals (top HI memories)

It's neat to observe the locals and how they live. Whether it was basket weaving with dry sugar cane, or the excessive fireworks on New Year's Eve, it was all so neat. I couldn't of imagined the famalies gathered grilling out and kids running around with huge fireworks. I gained a new appreciation of the word "Aloha." To me it means, 'Hello, we're friends. Let's take it easy here living the life.' That's my interpretation of course, but I can't help but smile at some of the faces that would so warmly say "Aloha."

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#3. Nephews (top HI memories)

Two weeks straight with my nephews was bliss.

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Silly boy faking asleep.



Tuesday, January 26, 2010

#2. Zipline (top HI memories)

Our faces say it all?



I don't recall ever getting cold in HI except this once. It was early morning and we were high in altitude. It was a neat vegetation though to be zipping through.


Top Hawaiian Memories... #1.Tennis with the Family

I come from a tennis family--period. I play by default. The rest of the crew is qualified in their own right. My dad actually noticed my mom for the first time when she was playing tennis at BYU. One of the coaches was my dad's PE instructor who proceeded to match them up. To complete the background understanding, know that my bro. and sister both used to hold top USTA rankings in LA. My brother still plays in a competitive league on top of 5+ intramural T-shirts. I take lessons every time I go home to work on my strokes a bit. I enjoy the exercise, but I moreless need the basics to hang with my family junkies--especially when the competitive situations arise.

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Dixon (Dad) and Dixon (nephew) playing tennis together.

The all of us.


First of all, my posture stinks. I really need to get ahold of that before it gets out of control. Correct me when I do it. I hate it. Secondly, awesome T on Drew! We got that there and I have been wearing it non-stop. Never, have I ever gotten so many complements on a piece of clothing in my life. Who would of thought a T-shirt?



Saturday, January 23, 2010

Kaui Hiking...

One of my favorite things to do is hiking. For many, a relaxing week on the beach is the ideal vacation. I love to relax myself, but there is nothing I prefer on my itineary to a great hike.

Our first full day in Kaui, the weather was perfect. I didn't want to miss our chance to hike the Kalalau Trail along the Na Pali coast. We didn't have the camping gear to do the full 24 mile round trip hike. So we settled for the 8 mile to Hanakoa Falls. I'll never forget that hike. We started out on the shear cliff to the ocean for the first few miles. The views were stunning. The last mile we weaved our way up a rainforest type of vegetation crossing a fairly deep and swift current creek--one rock at a time. After weaving back and forth accross the creek we reached the most amazing waterfall ever--better than I could ever imagine. It was a secluded enclosed area with greenry all around which made it cozy and remote. Yet the pool of water below the falls had complete visibility all the way down to the rocks deep below. The pressure of the warerfall isn't to overwhelming to where you couldn't swim below and underneath the falls. I'm guessing the falls were over 100 feet tall. We did the hike later in the day so we were the only people left at the falls. Most everyone hikes it in the morning to ensure they are back by dark. It would be a scary trail if there was no sunlight. We weren't sure if we would make it all the way to the falls because we had a time mark we knew we had to turn around by to make it back. We were pushing it close--way too close. But it made for a beautiful sunset on our way home.
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The only way one can view the Na Palai coast is by foot (the full 24 mile hike), by air (this pic is from the heli ride), or by boat/kayak (which during winter, the swells are too high). The sheer cliffs, waterfalls, and narrow valleys along this coast line are breath taking.

(self-timer pic taken on a very unsturdy rock)
The climatic point of our hike...Wish we could have spent all day there, but we had to get home before dark. Wouldn't want to be on that cliff in the dark that's for sure.

Hanakapia Beach is half way to the falls. It is really quaint beach tucked away too along the trail. I could see how many would just jump on in. But the tide apparently has pulled many out from where the waves break. The waves broke so early and then just sucked its way back if that makes any sesne.



Friday, January 22, 2010

Hawaii Sunsets

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Align Center




He thought he saw a whale.
Twilight--my favorite time of day.


One of my favorite nights... going to the locals beach as they surfed past sunset.



On the end of our 8 mile hike. We were hustleing for fear we would have no light on the last part of our hike.


This was sunrise in Kauai. Sad to see the crosses of the shore side. I saw too many of those. Apparently surfers trying to hit the big swells pass away too often.


Wednesday, January 20, 2010

1850's Bank of Spice Drawers...


Isn't this the neatest drawer set you have ever seen in your life? I must have opened every drawer and read through every label the first time I saw it in Seattle. This old piece is from England where it was at one point an old refrigerator for multiple spices, breads, and even fish (bigger compartments at the bottom). I could easily give this piece a home for multiple storing purposes. But the $12,000 tag must mean it already has a home and isn't meant to be moved from the store. The old wood and tattered fabric covered knobs are amazing. I can only visualize the era and people putting this to use.

I have had fun researching similar purposes on line. Nothing compares...

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Thank you Shannon...

Eightcrazy Design exceeded all expectations with the recent blog design. If you are willing to be patient and wait your turn, because she is usually booked a few months out, then it is a must. Shannon was a joy to work with. She kept tweaking the design to fit my desires. There was so much more involved to the up-do than I could have even imagined. Who would have known about a favicon?

When I signed up a few months ago, all I knew is that I wanted something appealing to look at titled 'Ray of Sunshine.' My dad has called my his Sunshine as early as I can remember. And at times, the first thing I hear from my husband in the morning is "Good morning, Sunshine."

As snazzy as everything looks now (for me at least), please don't be confused. My blog isn't meant to appeal to the masses by any means. I just enjoy expressing and clinging to the good all around--and trying to be creative in the process. Having said that, I can think of no greater 'ray of sunshine' than family. I can't wait to expand mine own and post away.


Sunday, January 17, 2010

"San Marcos experience"...



One of the luxuries of working in Texas, is the drive from San Antonio to Austin, Texas. Not only is it great to go from one great town to even a better one, but also the outlets along the way will literally take your breath away if you let it. It wasn't so much the never ending amount of stores (350+) that gets you; it's the treasures and mark down of product you never imagined would do so.

So the first time I saw the outlets, I came upon it after hours. I still enjoyed a good drive around both the Prime and Tanger outlets (combined into shopzilla). Then next time I was in Texas, I rushed around trying to walk the extent of everything in 1 hours time before closing. This time last week, with the same amount of time before closing, I simply went to my favorites. I really enjoyed myself so I thought I'd share...

I started at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. I rarely, if ever, pass up an opportunity to eat fudge.

I then went to the Royal Doulton & Wedgwood China store. I'm crazy about the Lady Carlyle pattern. It is so beautiful~ The pink with the gold and the floral center is stunning. They had all the serving pieces to ahh over as well. Apparently, this is the oldest Royal Doulton pattern still current as well. It's amazing.


From there I lollygagged on over to the Tory Burch outlet. Yes, they have an outlet. T.B. reminds me of my sister-in-laws for sure. I always think it is so cute on them, but never so much for me. Well... the hot pink matted flats--on sales might I add--were a must. So there you go, my first Tory Burch purchase. Join the club. I don't even think this pictures does them justice. They at a hot matted leather pink.

I thought I'd give Gucci a try just out of respect. But the door greeter was so intimidating. No thanks! I walked on confused moreless why a store would stick someone like that our in front. Maybe to scare away the browsing folk like me.

I was taken back to experience a Le Cruset outlet. Never will I ever buy a piece full price again. They are selling pieces that have 'minor blemishes' for a more reasonable price. It almost became a game to find the blemish. Some were impossible. I just love Le Cruset. Complements to generous wedding givers.

Neiman Marcus Last Call was a treat. I could care less whether or not something is a couple seasons old or not. It is fun to browse at some of the redic expensive things that have been marked down to just expensive. Their selection of Teri Jon was amazing. I found the most beautiful high waist skit that touched the ground--even on me. It was a tapestry type silk that had distinct pleats trickling down from the high band waist. I guess my only complaint here was that I was the only one in the entire store the entire time I was there. I had at least two people hoovering over me at all times. The moment I switched departments, a new leech latched on. And when I put my hand on something, it was like an alarm went off. My heart really goes out to those working retail getting paid commission at times like these.

Right at closing time, I went out with a bang. Just as the lady was about to lock the door, I slipped into the Kate Spade store. I could hardly believe what I saw--the Nylon Sam bag that I was obsessed with in 7th grade. It was my first handbag love--the one that my friend's mom would wear. I remember borrowing mom's and just being on cloud 9. Do you remember it? They are bringing it back for a 15th anniversary promotion. It was my everything to not buy it for good times sake. So many memories accompany that style Kate Spade for me.



This weeks Highlights...

1. renting a car with XM radio--no commercials and the 90's channel
2. Whole Foods-- 3 different locations in 72 hours time--Houston, Austin, San Antonio
3. Long talks with my lover on the phone. Having him talk me to sleep is one of my favorite things.
4. Marriott Points-- I will drive 30+ minutes out of my way if I have to for a Marriott. I feel safe there when I'm alone on the road & I can assure myself a comfy bed.
5. Having work take me to Houston where my sister lives. Spending time with her family always elevates me. They are on my highest pedestal of them all.
6. Sky Miles-- to and from Houston & to and from St. Louis.
7. Good ole' Tex Mex
8. Driving through Baylor campus and remembering the time my dad took me to see the campus and see a basketball game.
9. San Marcos outlets. Need I say more? I might have to later.
10. Meeting with one of my clients who is deaf. I can't even tell you the blessing she has been in my life. Her story is incredible. It's not one she freely shares--just one I've learned.
11. Listening to Gail King in the morning. Again, thank you XM radio.
12. Getting a free upgrade to a "jacuzzi room" which was right next to the bed in the bedroom and not in the bathroom. It was massive with jets coming out from directions I didn't know they could shoot from. It was an interesting setup nevertheless. What a treat after a long day's work.
13. Blues won!
14. Getting complements on a tan. That never happens, okay.
15. Making it a priority to wear 5 different colored tights in one weeks time and successfully doing so.
16. Family pic in front of the St. Louis Temple.


Saturday, January 9, 2010

Twinkies in a tube, skirt...



My sister is the queen of taking tube top dresses and wearing it as a skirt. On multiple occasions, I'm taken back by the beautiful skirts I see her wearing that touch the ground. That just doesn't happen when you are 6+ feet. She advises me to "just buy a tube and pull it down."

So I'm back in Texas for work and we were looking to spend some time together out & about. Anthro brings no greater joy for us to do so. We walked out with matching knitted skirts to wear to church tomorrow. Although this one isn't to the floor, it comfortably covers the knee. And it has the cutest little birds perched on a tree. The tag read this...

There's a tree outside my window that I believe to be a matchmaking tree. I often see two birds land at separate times upon the limbs and after a few minutes they begin to sing to each other. Before you know it, they fly off with one another, just wingtips apart. The fairisle on this dress tells the story of the matchmaking tree.

I just love this. Anything tender like this brings me back to my husband. I loath our absence when I have to travel for work, but I've loved seeing my sister and soaking up her goodness--and stylish suggestions.

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Sunday, January 3, 2010

Transitioning from one decade to the next...

It's a bit surreal to recognize that such a great decade has come to a close, and we are so quickly on to the next. I'm overwhelmed with all the goodness and blessings that have come my way in the past 10 years. I'm looking forward to the next.

May our goals be granted.

God speed...


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Wednesday, December 30, 2009

I love my brother and sister so much...


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Monday, December 28, 2009

A good omen for the upcoming year...

This is an expression my mom would often say when we saw or experienced something really special. It was one of my first thoughts when I saw the following.

endangered Humpback Whales

Living a dream... swimming with the sea turtles

Andrew and I woke up to see the sun rise our first morning in Kauai. We saw this Hawaiian Monk seal and just thought he was adorable. We were hovering over him trying to get a good pic. When we came back later that afternoon, there was yellow tape marking a 100 foot radius all around him. They are endagered with only 1,200ish left.


Sunday, December 27, 2009

Aloha & Merry Christmas...

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Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Couture Evian Water...

I stopped at TJ Max the other day on a lunch break and walked out with 2 of these great glass bottles for $1.00 a piece--90% off. You can't get the full feel of the bottle by the pic but they are as tall as my forearm and have a white paint etching on the glass. I just love them. I did a bit of research and found out that this was a limited edition bottle designed by a respectable clothes designer. Aklthought, I could care less about that factor.

When you live in a non alchoholic world, you are always looking for that better alternative to say 'cheers.' I think this is the perfect fit for our upcoming celebrations...

We have plenty of reasons to celebrate with these chic waters that have to opened with a bottle opener. whew! (I don't even think I own one). Andrew is about to finish another tough semester, and I've had a full time job for over a year now.




Saturday, December 12, 2009

A Cajun Chrsitmas...


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This past week I had some work in southern Louisiana. I went out of my way to stay in Natchitoches. For over 80 years now they have the most amazing lights along the bayou. Steel Magnolias was filmed in this quaint town. They have some very old plantations you can tour. The old coblestone road along the bayou is a favorite characteristic.


Some of my favorite scenes in the lights were the crawfish santa and alligator reindeer. Also, the couple holding hands going along is worth noting too.


Whoops and hollers...

for my sister Helen and her husband Heber who just completed a 26 mile marathon in Baton Rouge. Without walking and without ear-phones, they finished together hand in hand. My sister had her second baby just 13 months ago and is still nursing above all. Helen referred to the marathon as a relief from running with the double stroller for so long. I think they are incredible and wanted to get a shout out.

Andrew's sister, Elizabeth, was just named captain of her cheer squad in Connecticut. Not only is she the cutest one out there, but she is a true leader for her team. I'm glad we got to see her perform here recently.



Saturday, December 5, 2009

My niece Abby...

is so beautiful and full of creative personality. You see a little bit of it here. I'm not a self proclaimed photographer by any means. I just got out my camera when we were in Anthropologie and she knew just what to do.

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love the serious face




Wednesday, December 2, 2009

20 things about my lover...

1. Sometimes at night when I can’t fall asleep, I’ll say ‘Tell me a story.’ Andrew says, ‘Do you want a childhood story, mission story, or made up story?” He proceeds from there.

2. Prefers Gatorade over water

3. Collects soccer jerseys.

4. Andrew is a very ‘efficient driver.’ It makes me visibly nervous at times and he claims, “I’m a New Yorker."

5. He adores his nieces and nephew--going to be a great daddy.

6. Reminisces about his mission in London often...holds his experiences there dear to his heart.

7. Sportcenter makes for good ‘background music’ when he studies or working on homework at his desk.

8. I love how he is proactive about getting his hair cut. Before I even notice, he will recognize it is ‘long’ and get an appointment. I love that my husband is so clean cut.

9. Takes the lead with planning a date night each week.

10. Super supportive of all my interests and desires. For example: We went to 4 different Anthropolgies in the past 1 week’s time. He never complained. Just simply found the couch and settled until I was done looking around.

11. He takes the initiative to call my grandmother occasionally and say hello. She loves him too!

12. He assumes the best in people and is quick to give another the benefit of the doubt. His love for others takes precedence over another’s fallacy, anger, or shortcoming. He really elevates me here by encouraging me to do the same.

13. I don’t think I’ve checked the mail once since we were married. Okay, this past summer I did because he was absent. But he is quick to check the mail on his way back to campus. Small thing. But for me who really doesn’t like to check the mail, it’s so wonderful.

14. He likes to eat out as much as I do. I go on spurts where I plan and cook a good bit and then other droughts where I feel like eating out because work is over my head and the last thing I want to do is cook. He is flexible either way—never complains about it.

15. He calls me periodically throughout the day to check up on me at work. I’m dependent on his calls before his classes and when he gets out. The intervals really break up my day nicely.

16. He’s never questioned a manicure or pedicure or suggested that we could save up in that department.

17. He wears Timberlands and Redwing boots. So hot!

18. When I’m on the road for work, he talks me to sleep at night on the phone.

19. I talk in my sleep a ton. Andrew loves quoting me and telling me all about it when I wake up. He finds it so amusing.

20. I'm infatuated with his good looks. The end!
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Tuesday, December 1, 2009

You're invited...
Want to come take a peak at what my life is all about? We're having a warehouse sale where we're actually selling to the public. Generally we're the supplier to the retail store. But we've got some overstock and slightly defected goods that you can get for super cheap. So we're open to the public.
We've got a great gift wrap line that we are discontinuing and closoing out. You can get all sorts of thematic bags, rolls, and tissue paper for nothing.
We're the king of ribbon in the creative industry and are swiming in your basic cardstock that you need to do anyting. We manufactuer pens, pens, and more pens.
So here's the deal...
Becuase you're a friend or a family, you can come this Thursday and get first dibs on all our goodies. But will you shoot me a text or give me a call when you come so I can come say 'hello.' I love getting an office break. And no, they won't be asking for your name or who you know so spread the word and join the fun you crafty Utah people you.
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Monday, November 30, 2009

In case you care...

I'm loving my minty nails right now--yes, even in the winter. Fashion week hit it hot with the green. I read that the Chanel Jade was sold out in a week's time.

So I decided to try the Essie green out. And I love it! I'm thinking my polish might be a bit more blue though. I can't figure out what color it is to be exact...


Image stolen from here.