Falling for Autumn

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Dear Summer,

I have a confession to make.

When we first got together this year, I had spring fever. 

I was, in fact, delusional.

Sure, you are really hot.

And at first it was refreshing,

but now these heat waves are driving me mad. 

I thought maybe I could sweat it out,

but at the end of the day, I'm miserable.

And I hate to say it, but...

You're always sticky and need a shower :/

So, it was nice while it lasted, but we need a break.

I think it's only fair you know the real reason...

You see, there's this season named Autumn.

He comes to visit me each year, and I fall harder every time.

He is so much cooler than you.

I'm so much more comfortable when he's around.

Just a breeze and he makes my cheeks flush.

He likes to sip hot cocoa by the fire with me on cold nights.

...I could never do that with you!

Plus, you keep nagging me to shave my legs, and I'm just tired of it.

I'm asking you to leave. 

Today, if possible.

I'm really sorry we couldn't work it out.

I mean, maybe if Autumn bails, we can try again next year...

But for now I think it's clear we both need to move on.

xo, KV

P.S. ...one more tan before you go?

Josh's Perspective: The Beginning, Part II

Yup- more gushy love stuff on the blog today :)

I thought I would let Josh explain the second part of our story from his perspective... and trust. It's like, a million times better than my version, or maybe it's just so sweet to hear him tell it. I might have him tell the rest, actually. You up for it, babe? ;)

(One of our songs from back in the day- describes these moments perfectly!)

I had been back from my mission a few months and I received a letter from Kristen. I remember getting it and feeling this overwhelming joy (and a bit of disbelief ). I read through the letter a few times and kept looking back at the picture that she included. I remember being at odds with the situation...

On one hand there is this beautiful girl that no matter how I try and explain it, every time I saw her, or I got a chance to lock eyes, there was always this "something" that was very strong between us. On the other hand there is this age difference, and at the time the gap was enough to deem an inappropriate relationship. I think my judgement got the better of me, so I tucked the picture and letter away and did nothing about it.

Life went on as usual. I worked and I dated. I basically was getting myself adjusted back to a normal routine since the mission. I started dating a girl that I had known and grew up with for a long while. We had actually talked about marriage on a couple of occasions. As time went on I just felt there was something lacking in the relationship I was in, and broke it off with her. 

For the next eight months or so I kept myself away from the opposite sex, focused on work, and just enjoyed some time with my buddies that I was living with. That was until I got a phone call one night as I was getting home from work.

My phone rang as I was pulling up to my house from work. I looked down and didn't recognize the number. I remember almost letting it go to voice mail... but I picked up. On the other line was a voice from what seemed was so far in the past, but I recognized it immediately when I heard it. 

"It can't be...?" I wondered.

My heart felt like it was going to explode, my pulse started to race, and I began to sweat just from sheer nerves of the situation. We talked for what seemed like an eternity. I told her about my baseball game and was pretty excited I was going to see her. Glad I did, because we ended up talking for so long that my battery died.

The line went dead and my mind started racing a million miles an hour with the same thought coming back, "Is this really happening?" I finally went into the house, into my room, and attempted to get some sort of sleep that night. 

The next day was almost worse. The anxiety was building up and I was doing my best to keep as cool as possible. When I went into work my boss instantly knew something was up. I was unusually quiet for most of the morning with so much on my mind. He finally prodded a bit and wanted to know what was up with me. 

I'm pretty sure he decided that was a bad idea as I went into a day long conversation about this girl Kristen. By the time I got done, or by the time he finally told me to shut up, he looked at me dead in the face and said, "Josh my man, you're in trouble."

I got ready for my game trying to focus on only just that.....yeah right. 

I play catcher and of the advantages of being a catcher is that you have your back to the crowd. The game started out great. I wasn't really looking into the crowd for anything and I was finally in game mode. The innings went fairly quick, the pace of the game was great, and I was still keyed in. 

Then I got up to bat. 

As I walked to the plate gripping my bat and sizing up the pitcher, my head went towards the plate, back to the pitcher, and back towards the plate. Just before I was ready to step in the batter's box and get into my ready stance, I glanced to the crowd. 

What I saw was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. She was sitting there, long black hair, amazing eyes looking enthusiastic, and that smile that can just stop time... I was done. 

The remainder of the game as I played catcher I was just fine, but the times I had to go bat... not... so... good. If you know anything about baseball, I did finally get a piece of the ball and hit a pretty weak grounder into a gap on my final at bat... that was the good news. The bad news is I committed one of the cardinal sins of baseball as a batter (Don't step on home plate until you have rounded third... yeah that's an instant OUT).  Yup, so I hit the ball but stepped on home plate as I was taking off for first base. "OUT" yelled the umpire, and the game was over.

While packing up all my gear into my bag I instantly realized that I had just played out in the dirt, in the hot sun, and while wearing full catchers gear (cue the eeeew sweaty/dirty man).  I grabbed my bag and walked to the field exit. I saw Kristen on the other side and I couldn't find the exit fast enough... so I jumped the fence. I couldn't help myself, it was the first time I was actually allowed to hug her, and sweaty/dirty or not, I was going to take advantage. I was just extremely glad that she didn't mind either. 

It was every feeling that I had felt before and so much better.

I'm totally swooning over here! Mostly over remembering how crazy in love we were, but also that this is his first time posting on here! I've asked him like a million times before but he never budged, then out of the blue I get this sweet story sent to my email yesterday, and just couldn't hold off publishing it :)

So, there's one last part of the story remaining... I think I'll hold off for a little bit before you get lovesick and nauseous!! ;)

J&K: The Beginning, Part II

PHEW!

I'm just closing in on Monday's midnight and I haven't stopped working since 10:00 AM this morning... call me crazy, but it feels SO good. It's amazing what I've been able to accomplish during my evening hours as a freelance designer. I promise to talk about my projects really soon!

Oh, and I even tended to some wife duties this weekend!

That's right. KV actually did the dishes, people.

*round of applause*

Speaking of wife duties, I'm pretty sure I left you with a bit of a cliff hanger from the post of how Josh and I first met.  Well, I don't know about you, but I think it's time I continue this little love story... agreed?

Hold up- let me get some Journey going...

OK, moving on... :)

So, three long years passed.

During those years, he always stayed in the back of my mind. I remember sending him a letter one time, but he never replied. Probably because I was still seriously underage...

So, I had plenty of fun in high school with my friends, going to parties and dating boys on and off. I was very focused on my grades and my portfolio with hopes of being accepted into Utah State University's art program. My older sister had attended college there and loved it, so I planned on doing the same.

Soon it was July of 2004, the summer before my senior year, and I had just turned 17 (not quite legal, but much better than 14!). My friend and I planned a trip to Utah so we could visit the campus and get to know the area a little bit.

We stayed with my sister for most of the visit, but I knew an old friend from my seminary class who also lived there. In fact, she had been in touch with Josh, or "Roberts" as I liked to call him. She was down to hang out as a group and gave me his number to call and make plans.

I was in my sister's spare bedroom alone when I decided to pick up the phone and call him... it was probably the most nervous I had ever been! I don't remember the exact conversation, but I told him I was in town, and we talked about meeting up. We agreed on going to his baseball game and hanging out afterwards.

I was crazy giddy for the next 24 hours; my teeny bopper hormones were starting to kick in again.

The next day we got ready for the game. I chose to wear a dark blue top, green khaki cargo pants, and my long hair down. Butterflies were going crazy and my mind was trying to stay calm, but I couldn't wait for him to see me as a woman and less as a child.

We got to the field, sat in the bleachers, and my friend points him out... he was the catcher with his back to me, and he had shaggy blond hair! (that year, in particular, was the year of the shag, and I was all sorts of obsessed with it)

He was actually doing pretty good in the game, that is until he saw me in the stands... he started doing really bad after that. I remember him going up to bat and we were all cheering for him. Then he struck out... awww!

We all waited outside the dugout, me feeling so nervous I could hardly breathe. Then, he came out in a yellow t-shirt, hat, shorts, and some of his gear still on and said hello to me. For the first time - instead of a firm missionary handshake - we hugged. Granted he was a little sweaty, and he apologized for it, but I didn't care.

He was finally there, right in front of me, looking into my eyes, and my heart was convinced that all of my dreams were about to come true.

...that totally just sounded like the perfect line to end with, don't you think? :)

To be fair, I did warn you this was a long freakin' story, and you can't blame a girl for breaking it up for dramatic effect. Stay tuned!!

I will part with wishes for a fabulous, productive, and lovely week. Git 'er done!

P.S. Did you see the winners were announced for August's Group Giveaway? Go check out the Rafflecopter widget to see if you were one of them!

Mind Body & Spirit

Hey there blogland! 

It's me, Kristen.... remember? I used to comment on your blog and engage through email all the time, and now I'm slacking because if I spent one more minute on this laptop I would be sacrificing my 5 hours of daily sleep and/or drooling on myself?

Yeah, I'm sorry for being a bad bloggy friend, you guys. I thought I was busy during school, but I really wasn't prepared for this fully loaded month of August! I mean, holy wow. I haven't even switched my own desktop background! :/

What have I been up to exactly?

Well, working my day job- that's for one.

For two, I've been going out almost every weekend for different occasions, which is so out of my norm! Girl's nights, anniversary weekend getaways, shopping trips... it's been nice to have some fun for a change, but I can't help but feel like it's slowing me down.

For three, I've been working on a ton of design work lately, nesting behind my laptop, staying up way past my bed time to meet deadlines, and pushing myself as far as I can. It's challenging to balance all of it, but I surprisingly haven't been too stressed out... probably because I thoroughly enjoy it, even though I want to crawl in a hole and die most mornings. 

But, the more I push myself, the more I flash back to my Business & Marketing class that explained how "design is a service," so in essence, I am the product. Same with blogging- we are the juice behind the machine. Just as storeowners find time to clean and take care of their products to ensure ultimate customer satisfaction, I need to be doing the same for my mind, body and spirit. If I don't, I'm either going to get sick, become depressed, or completely burnout and have a mental breakdown.

And I don't want to have another one of those...

So I've been giving myself these little breaks in between the chaos, mostly watching an episode or two of my favorite TV series. It's no wonder why I enjoy it so much- it consists of a combination of my favorite things: sitting idly, eating, cuddling, and watching drama unfold. True Blood is the best it's ever been this season, The Newsroom is outstandingly awesome, oh, and (brace yourself) we literally just started Breaking Bad... AMAZING so far!

Anyway- I planned on writing about the second part of me and Josh's love story today, but found myself just wanting to share my life lately... and if I've disappointed anyone with my lack of response to comments or emails in my normal timely fashion, to ask for understanding that I'm doing the very best I can, and taking some much needed time for my mind, body, and spirit.

Just know I'm still around, still present, still following your stories through social media, and I still love you guys with all my blogging heart! I hope you take some time away from your keyboard this weekend, unplug a little, and enjoy the world around you as the summer makes its grand finale :)

image source

P.S. If you haven't already, go see what you could win in August's Group Giveaway (only one day left to enter!) and if you're looking for some end of summer deals I have posted some really great discount codes that expire at the end of August in this post :)

Anna-Anna Bo-Banna

Catchy title, eh? I bet you're wondering what the reasoning behind it is...

Well, I like singing that song with my niece. She gets mad at me because I always mess up the words at the end... then I make her laugh and she forgives me :)

Speaking of my niece, today is my little nephew's birthday! He's turning three and having a big party on Saturday where I have been asked to run a face painting booth. I knew Pinterest would have some good ideas cookin' for me... check out these cute faces!

Sources: Spotted Puppy, Bulldog,  Dinosaur, Pink Feline, Pink Butterfly, White Puppy Mouth

Only one thing left to decide... should KV dress up as a clown? 

*flashes back to watching Stephen King's IT and Killer Clowns* 

I don't know about that... 

Seriously though, the real reason behind today's post title was because I'm guest posting and sharing some "invitation inspiration" over at The ANNA Delores Blog! I invite you to come visit and show some love :)

I'm off to clean up my inbox and pump out some more designs- I hope your Wednesday has been wonderful so far!! xo

Me Myself & I... Round 2!

You guys... I'm pretty sure I deserve the "Worst Linky Co-Host of the Year" award.

This month has been a little nuts-o. I don't usually have crazy eventful weekends, but with birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, design jobs, my day job, blogging, and a beautiful new opportunity that has found its way into my evenings... I'm a little overwhelmed here.

Erin Condren planners wouldn't save me if I tried.

So, even though this was supposed to get posted about, ohhhh... twenty hours ago, as the saying goes, "better late than never!"

OK, enough groveling and on with this month's five questions!!

What would you attempt to do if you
knew you could not fail?

image via 

Pretty much everything I've been waiting for:
Quit my day job.
Jump in head first running my own design biz.
Move somewhere new, buy a house, start a family.
That's the serious answer.
But, I would also skydive, that is if I knew for sure I wouldn't die or end up all crooked and stuff.

If you had only six months left to live,

what would you do with the time?

image via

First, I would hire a maid so I wouldn't waste one more second cleaning.
I would spend as much time with my family, friends, and dogs as possible.
I'd find every reason to go spend money-
eat fancy foods I've never tried,
visit places I've never been,
and take lots, and lots of pictures.
I would want to learn the guitar and write a song to leave behind.
I would write a book of memoirs to continue my story.
I would plan a big party for my funeral.
And last but not least,
I would make a special vlog tribute to all of my blog friends and wish you a beautiful life :)

If a front page news article was written on you, 
what would the headline be?

ok not this one...

image via

In a perfect world, I'd like it to be something really prestigious, like, 

"SLC blogger meets the President" 

But, let's be real... 

I'd have to do something really ridiculous for a front page news article to be written about me. I predict if the writer was clever enough, it would be something like, 

"KV GOES VIRAL: The Confession Heard Around the World"

What is your biggest pet peeve?

image via

I have several...
interrupters, slow drivers, ignorance, and...
screaming children :/
(sorry, Moms!)

What is your favorite chick flick movie?

image via

Hands down...
When Harry Met Sally.
Such a classic love story, and always makes me cry.

Psst... you want to read this:

To shake things up, we are introducing something new next month...

If you submit a question via this form, 
you have a chance to co-host with us!
Does this mean I'm getting the boot? ...guys?

Kind of like how a giveaway works, one question will be chosen from the bunch and the person who's question gets picked will join the Me Myself & I co-hosters- yeah buddy!

<center> <a href="http://mybeautifulcrazylifex33.blogspot.com/search/label/Me%20Myself%20I"><img border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb375/breanna6218/MMIaugust.jpg"/></a></center>

And if you don't have your post together yet- no worries- you have all week.
Besides, if your co-host can post late, then so can you, right?

Oh, and as much as I love to break 'em, there's only a few rules to abide by...

-Follow each of your hosts:

My Beautiful, Crazy Life // Whispering Sweet Nothings // KV's Confessions

Framed Frosting // Life of the Wife // For Love of a Cupcake

-Grab the button and place it in your post

-Put the button in your side bar to help spread the word (optional)

-Click around on a few other bloggers and get to know some new friends!

One other rule... have fun!

STOP... Giveaway Time!

Yes, you're right, the title was hinting at an MC Hammer song. Forgive me, sometimes when my brain is fried I come up with really random post titles.

Anyway, I have so much to dish about the weekend, but I must hold off.

Why, you ask? 

Well, if you couldn't tell from my lame excuse for a post title, I happen to have a fabulous bunch of ladies that came together and are offering all sorts of goodies to TEN lucky winners - store credit, design services, ad space, and gift cards - all worth an estimated total of $150! Double WOW.  

So yeah, that sounded a lot more exciting. Plus they have pretty pictures to show for it, and I took next to none. When will I learn?

I'm not sure, but I am sure it's time for me to cut rambling and encourage you to check out what you could win and enter with Rafflecopter below... you know the deal :)

Good luck my dears!!!

blog // twitter // facebook // pinterest

blog // twitter // facebook

blog // twitter // facebook // instagram // bloglovin'

blog // twitter // facebook // instagram // bloglovin // pinterest

blog // twitter // pinterest
graphics shop // facebook // knit shop // facebook

blog // twitter // facebook // design studio // pinterest

blog // twitter // facebook // instagram // bloglovin

blog // twitter // facebook // instagram // bloglovin

blog // facebook

bloglovin'//facebook//twitter//pinterest//instagram

a Rafflecopter giveaway

P.S. Don't forget to participate in tomorrow's Me Myself & I link up :)

Six Years & The Beginning

I just have to say, this has been one of the best weeks of my life.

Josh and I both received really good news about new employment opportunities, and after struggling financially for quite some time now, we are excited for what the future holds. It finally feels like things are coming together for us, and we could not be happier!

This news came at a perfect time, too, because we have plans to celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary this Sunday, August 19th. We are going on a little Wendover trip where we can gamble, get silly, and remember how much fun we have together.

Our last trip to Las Vegas!

So in honor of our upcoming occasion, I thought it would be the perfect time to reflect and share the story of how me and Josh first met.

awwwww!

I'm not sure why I've never gone over this before... I think it's because it's such a long story, includes all sorts of details about my religious upbringing, and I was never ready to dish. But, I'm changing that today because I think it's about time I confess!

You ready for this? Have a seat and turn on some Etta James- it's about to get lovey dovey up in here.

Flash back to October 2001:

I was 14 years old living in my hometown of Bristol, Connecticut.

Josh was 19 and serving an LDS mission in Hartford, Connecticut.

OK, I know we're only 2 sentences in and it sounds bad- don't get any crazy ideas. It was actually really sweet the way it happened. Let me just explain one thing first...

It is every Mormon girl's dream to someday meet a cute Mormon boy, fall in love, and get married in the temple. We were encouraged to date within our religion, but there were slim pickins' in my ward, and I was the only Mormon in my school... so... naturally, it became tradition for me and my sisters to scope out the missionaries: hot, righteous young men, serving the Lord, and always dressed in their Sunday best. How could we resist?

So one day, young Elder Roberts got transferred into my ward and walked into church one Sunday morning. He saw me walking in for sacrament meeting, and asked his companion who I was. His companion laughed and said I was only 14, but to check out my older sister ;)

I don't remember exactly how it happened, but from the moment he shook my hand and our eyes locked, I felt something. I felt like I already knew him... and I quickly developed an intense crush.

Though, it was really awkward and weird for him because of the age difference... he had to keep reminding himself I was only 14 (and fyi... I already had been blessed with a full set of ta-ta's, so I looked a lot older, not that it makes a difference, but, well, it kinda does).

Like all young girls with a crush, I became obsessed. I asked my parents to invite him and his companion over for dinner every month. I loved the way he said my name, the way his lips moved, the way he ate.  He caught me staring at him all the time, and I liked to think I caught him looking at me too.

My seminary teacher would often invite missionaries over for early morning seminary sessions. We all had notebooks for class that we would leave there, and I remember doodling in mine at one point, "I <3 Elder Roberts!"

One time he went to my teacher's house for dinner, and he saw my notebook sitting out... I'm not sure why he decided to peek, but he found a list of my favorite bands and added some of his, along with a cute little doodle of himself as a missionary, waving hi. I think there was something else too, but neither of us can remember.  Oh, what I would do to find that notebook again!

I just remember seeing it the next morning and feeling like he thought I was special. The belief that I would marry him someday increased, but soon he would be transferred to another ward and we wouldn't see each other for another three years.

...to be continued!

I hate to leave ya hangin' but I got to break it up a little bit before this turns into a novel.

Anyway- wish us luck in Wendover, or 'Dover as I like to call it (it's basically a random cluster of casinos on the border of Utah/Nevada). I'm planning on going nuts with the penny slots- howling when I win big on Coyote Run and doing an Egyptian dance when Cleopatra pays out.

What are you guys up to this weekend? :)

People Watchers & Wonderers

I'm a people watcher.

That sounds creepy, but it's true. I intently watch from a distance and wonder what their lives are like. In the grocery store, at red lights, at the mall, even in blogworld. 

What's cool around here is that you really don't have to wonder. We all get to take a peek into people's lives with one click. Everyone is willing to show bits and pieces of who they are, share their stories, and help in any way they can. 

But how do you find "your people"?

Finding the right crowd to connect with in the blogosphere can be an overwhelming task when starting out. It wasn't until about six months ago did I really feel part of the community, like these were my friends that I could reach out to, and trust that they would have my back. 

So in the hopes of improving your blogroll, I've put together a beautiful display of funny, interesting, and inspiring women for all you wonderers out there. Get to know them. Read what they're about. You never know when you're going to meet your next best blog friend...

blog // twitter // facebook // instagram // bloglovin'

blog // twitter // pinterest 

graphics shop // facebook // knit shop // facebook  

blog // twitter // facebook // design studio // pinterest

blog // twitter // facebook

blog // twitter // facebook // instagram // bloglovin

Now that you know their stories...

It's time to play Five Questions!

CJ: "I just recently graduated with my bachelors degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education, and obtained my teaching credentials!"

Jen: "Quitting my boring desk job. Seriously. I had been dreaming about that for years and it was always sort of in the realm of someday... then one day I realized that I wasn't getting any younger, but I was growing quite cynical and depressed. So... I quit and went back to school to nourish my creative right-brained self. Now I'm one year into a graphic design degree and LOVING life again! Yeah!! I feel much more alive now and like I could actually make a positive contribution to the world, instead of just typing and filing my way to the grave like I was doing before."

Katie: "Earning my Masters Degree!"

Melissa: "The last goal I accomplished was completing my leadership training for work, even while on maternity leave!"

Miranda: "I graduated from college muthaaaaa!!!"

CJ: "I am half Dutch and half Portuguese. Making me a Dutchaguese!"

Jen: "I'm kind of an American mutt, as I'm sure a lot of Americans are. Of the heritage that I know about, I'm Irish, Dutch, American Indian, Swedish, and German."

Katie: "Irish-German mom & Scandanavian-Native American dad."

Melissa: "I am Canadian!"

Miranda: "IRISH BABY!!! Wooh!!"

CJ: "Most definitely Gymnastics!"

Jen: "GYMNASTICS!!! (Women's, not mens)"

Katie: "We didn't get the Olympics in Dominica this year but I always love the diving."

Melissa: "I love watching the gymnastics! I think it is because I am a dancer and that is the closest thing to dance in the Olympics!"

Miranda: "Swimming - Boys with muscles...yum. And Gymnastics - Woot!"

CJ: "Aunie Sauce! I love it because it is just sooo her!"

Jen: "Oh geez... where do I begin? Lol. This is like asking which chocolate bar do I love the most.I always love the style of design over on A Beautiful Mess It's generally very colorful, cheerful, and inspiring! Whenever I need a creative jumpstart, I head over there and poke around in her archives.

Katie: "Stephanie Ryan Design... this is Perfection."

Melissa: "This was such a hard choice, as I love so many!  But the first one that came to mind was Danielle of Framed Frosting."

Miranda: "Yours, duh ;) (And no, I'm not tootin' your horn. It's the truth.)"

CJ: "Who says my dreams just have to stay my dreams?" -Ariel

Jen: "Proverbs 3:5 - 'Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.'
This has sort of been my life verse since the late 90's (back when I was in college the first time!). It's really easy for me to fret and worry and try to solve life's situations on my own, so having this verse in the back of my mind really helps remind me to knock it off and trust God instead." 

Katie: "Don't believe everything you think." -Thomas Kida

Melissa: "Fashions fade, but style is eternal" -Yves Saint Laurent

Miranda: "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined.” -Henry David Thoreau

$25 off a Custom Blogger Makeover 

from Priceless Design Studio

(just mention you saw this on KV's Confessions!)

Good until August 30th

25% off "So Lovely" Ad Space

from All Things Lovely

(Checkout Code: KVCONFESS)

Good until September 15th 

Free Shipping + 10% off ALL Knitted Items

from Desert Rose Knit Shop

(Checkout Code: ADMIRER10)

Good until August 31st

Psst... if you like answering fun questions about yourself (because really, who doesn't?) then be sure to link up next Tuesday, August 21st for the second round of "Me Myself & I"...woot!

Click the button below to be directed to all of the deets. (yeah, I said it... deets.)

<center> <a href="http://mybeautifulcrazylifex33.blogspot.com/search/label/Me%20Myself%20I"><img border="0" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb375/breanna6218/MMIaugust.jpg"/></a></center>

Here are the questions to get yourself prepared!

1) What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail? 

2) If you had only six months left to live, what would you do with the time?

3) If a front page news article was written on you, what would the headline be?

4) What is your biggest pet peeve?

5) What is your favorite chick flick movie?

Mixtape Madness

Music makes my world a better place.

That's why I was so happy to see Natalie and Kailyn's email informing me about their Weekly Dish Tuesday link up. This week's theme was coined, "Mixtape Madness," and it's all about what we've been listening to lately.

So in middle school I used to be absolutely obsessed with Blink 182 and New Found Glory. I went to so many concerts, crowd surfed, caught guitar picks, and even got in a mosh pit fight once. I had an absolute blast with my friends jumping to the beat, rocking out, and feeling like a bad ass.

About a week ago I decided to start up an Offspring station on Pandora, and let me tell you, it gets better every day. I don't even care how many weird looks I get for blasting and singing along to it in my office at work, it's the shiz. (Yes, shiz is still a commonly used word, and I don't plan on axing it from my vocabulary just yet, in case you were wondering.)

OK- you ready for this? 

Be prepared to head bang... 

\m/ (>.<) \m/

What kind of music were you rocking out to back in the day?

A New Adventure

I did something totally out of my element this weekend.

In the spirit of celebrating my bro-in-law's 30th birthday surprise adventure, I let my sister convince me to go ZIPLINING down in Provo Canyon.

Usually me and helmets don't mix, and, I have to admit, I was a little nervous and unsure of what to expect. I was hoping it wouldn't be anything like my horrific snowboarding experience.

All I knew was that Southpark made a hilarious episode about ziplining once and I was excited to say "Shockabra!" and "Alright! NICE ZIP!"

So I went ahead and zipped. I mean, what's the worst that could happen besides a cable snapping and leaving me dangling like a bear piñata?

My first zip was a little scary, but after that, it was totally fun! Kinda like a going on a big swing. Plus, the views were beautiful. I totally take these canyons for granted.

That's my cute niece and nephew, Addy and Austen, with my sister and her birthday hubbs!

 And this was the whole group- everyone together made it such a good time!

I'm so glad I got to do something new this weekend... to get out of the house and away from my computer for a while, even if it was only to Provo. 

It made me think... adventures are important. Exploring my surroundings and expanding my mind... I love that stuff. For some reason though, it's hard for me to branch out of my shell. I tend to shy away from the unknown, and consequently I've basically turned myself into a hermit this year. 

And as life is "zipping" by me, I'm realizing these adventures are the moments I want to remember as I get older and have stories to tell. Besides, what's the point of waiting to have kids if I'm not taking advantage of my freedom-filled youth?

I decided I'm going to make it a goal to go on more adventures... at least one per month. That's a big deal you guys, coming from someone who gave up on New Year's resolutions a long time ago. 

All I know is that it's something that's been lacking- the simple thrill of doing something new- and I plan on changing that starting today.

When was your last adventure?

P.S. The winner of Lissa's $75 Mary Kay Glam Set Giveaway is... Jessica from Jessica Who! 

Check your email, girlfriend :)

Design, Sleep, Repeat.

Hey punkins!

Not sure why I called you that- it's another late night blog post, obvi :)

It's FRIDAY - thank gawd - and I'm excited to share some of my recent projects I've worked on these past few weeks. It seems my life consists of designing, sleeping, eating, blogging, and repeating. Oh, and work. ha.

Ready to see some stuffs?

First up is Miranda from All Things Lovely. Homegirl is graduating TOMORROW. Wanna know how I know? Not just because we're friends on FB, but because she asked little old me to design her graduation announcements :) Yay! Wanna seeee?

I think these typographic designs are my favorite! I feel like they put all of my design knowledge to the test, especially with layout, font choice, color coordination, and balance. I loveeed working with Miss Miranda (or should I say Snooki? ;) and I'm so proud of her for getting through school. She's got such a bright and fabulous future ahead of her. Congratulations, girl!! Party up this weekend! :)

I also was honored to work with Torie from Lattes & Love! She was ready to launch her sponsor program this month and needed some help with the graphics. Of course, I was thrilled to be considered and wanted to create something extra special for her. Check out this screen shot:

I cannot even tell you how much fun I had doing these! Instead of doing the normal "XL, L, M, S" we collaborated and decided to continue the "Latte" theme. So, I put my Illustrator skills to the test and created those coffee graphics that symbolize different sizes. I don't care who you are- that's freakin' cute. Head on over to Torie's Sponsor Page to check out the rest in action!

I also finished up some blog button designs for Chloe at CJVZ Hearts You and Abby at Only Impossible Until Done!

Please excuse my excitement, I just cannot wait to be doing this full time :)

So, do you have any plans for the weekend? I would say what I'm doing but it's sort of a birthday surprise for my brother-in-law and I don't want to be the one that ruins the secret (typical). Instead I shall grace you with some adventurous photos on Monday!

Happy Friday, folks!