my apologies!

Followers, I am so terribly sorry for the lengthy hiatus I've taken from blogging! I have been all to busy with the last few dismal weeks of this fine fall semester: homework, finals, and work had taken over my life. Alas, I am finally free from classes, papers, and presentations, even if it is only for a short four weeks! I am now left with a rather significant question...what do I do with this time I've been given?! Surprise, surprise, I actually have a majority of this lovely winter break planned so as to make the absolute best of this next month! Here we go!

To start out this week, my amazing parents are coming out to visit for the holiday weekend. I cannot wait to spend some quality time with my family and simply enjoy each others company! The whole family will be together again for the first time since this last summer!

Christmas is in a short NINE days and I cannot even explain how much I love Christmas! The entire family together: parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles, the festive music, games, memories, and cookies of the holiday season can really open your eyes to how much you have to be thankful for. Spending this Christmas with my entire family is all I could ask for this Christmas!

Another two short days after Christmas and it's my 20th birthday! I am well aware that 20 is not that big of a deal to most people, but it is to me! I will no longer be a "teenager". Yay! So much to look forward to as an optimistic 20 year old :)

A few days later, in the beginning of January, I'll be traveling back to the good ol' homeland. I can't wait to see all of my friends and family that continue to reside in the great state of Minnesota! I have a number of fun things planned for my short time home. But most importantly, I'll get to see the people I love most and spend great quality time with them!

As soon as I get back to Colorado, I have transfer orientation for CU Boulder! I am so beyond stoked to be starting at the college of my dreams! However, along with the joy of excitement for bigger and better things comes a large amount of nerve wracking stress. So much to do in so little time before I'm in a totally new place in my life!

I've got quite a winter break ahead of me! What are your plans for the holidays?!

cutesy cupcakes!

A few days before the Thanksgiving holiday, my friend Adri came out for a quick visit! She was in town to spend the holiday with her family, but I stole her away for a day and took her down to 16th Street Mall in Denver for some shopping, gossip, and treaters! Before we knew it we were standing at the most adorable little cupcake stand called Gigi's Cupcakes. We thought we may have missed out on our chance for some gourmet cupcakes, but to our surprise, the kiosk was still open, hooray! Gigi's Cupcakes is situated right in the middle of the mall in just the cutest stand...





Gigi's Cupcakes!

  



A little Gigi's history



Not only were Adri and I shocked that the stand was still open, but to our joy, all the cupcakes were buy one get one free! Twice the deliciousness for the price of one! We couldn't believe our luck! So we each made the tough decision on which two cupcakes caught our eye the most! In a few short minutes we were walking through the mall each carrying these cutesy cupcake boxes..

The box itself was just the cutest, but what was sealed inside was even better...




chocolate mousse & wedding cake!

 

After getting these in my hands it only took a few short minutes to devour one of these little guys. They were insanely delicious! If you're ever in Denver and looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth, I most DEFINITELY recommend you check out Gigi's Cupcakes at the 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver...so amazing!




chocolate mousse with a pilgrim hat for thanksgiving!

 




just about gone!

 




and finished in under five!

 

to do!

I am an insanely frequent lap top user. Usually for multiple hours every day: school, work, facebook, email, pinterest, and BLOGGING! Since I am on my computer for an extended amount of time and on a daily basis, my computer gets extremely warm. So irritating! My quick fix? A $2.50 black, plastic lap desk knick knack from IKEA.

Most people would just buy something cheap like this and leave it. However, I tend to enjoy spicing things up a bit! My immediate thought...MODGE PODGE DECOUPAGE! I am a relatively huge fan of modge podging anything and everything. Modge Podge is a type of clear, non toxic adhesive used for decoupaging in either a matte or gloss finish. You can literally decoupage almost anything: dressers, table tops, cabinets, light switches, books, shelving, etc. to give even the most simple things a little pop of color, patterns, and texture! 

So, for my DIY project, I gathered pictures, magazine clippings, and stickers to modge podge on my new, very plain lap desk. It took me maybe a half hour to finish this project, but could have taken almost fifteen minutes less had I not been such a perfectionist. Here's a very simple step-by-step How To for decoupaging!

STEP ONE:  gather items

• An item or fixture to decoupage
• Pictures, magazine clippings, stickers, memorabilia, etc.
• Modge Podge
• Foam paint brush
• Paper towels
• Newspaper to protect the surface you are working on

Lap desk BEFORE

STEP TWO:  begin decoupaging

• One by one, take each item you will be decoupaging and place it on the surface.
• Just like if you were to paint, take the brush and dip it into the modge podge and spread across your picture or clipping and onto the surrounding surface area.
• You do not need a lot of modge podge, just a light layer over each picture or clipping. Use paper towels to wipe off access modge podge.
• Once you have finished laying and decoupaging one image, start on the next.
• Continue until you have everything in place and covered in a light layer of the modge podge.

Materials

 

 

 

 STEP THREE:  finishing layer

• Finally, paint one consecutive layer of modge podge over the entire surface to make sure each image is in place and secure.

STEP FOUR:  let dry

Here's a peek at the after shots!

 

new music

     Music is a relatively huge part of my life. I literally listen to music for at least two hours a day: to and from school, in the car, when doing homework, when cleaning, and most importantly when I am just relaxing. I do my best to keep up with who or what's new by checking iTunes on a weekly basis. I LOVE finding new music to listen to over and over and recommend to my closest friends. I usually like a little bit of everything, yet at the same time, I am hugely picky with what I consider to be "good" music. My all time favorite genre of music is easily, hands down COUNTRY. Generally, all the songs within this genre are down to earth and have true, unique meaning. Because of this, I find myself gravitating toward country more so than any other genre in the music industry.

     In terms of what I listen to, my country artist go-tos as of now are definitely Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Lady Antebellum, Gloriana, The Band Perry and most importantly and most recently, Scotty McCreery!

     I literally just bought Scotty's new album "Clear As Day" off of iTunes last night and I have probably listened to it 8+ times on repeat. As much as I hate to say it, I feel like most people underrate him as an artist particularly because he is 17 years young and has blasted only since winning American Idol. I'm sure these negative individuals assume he'll get his fifteen minutes of fame and be out of here in no time. However, I'll have to politely, yet completely disagree. He showed everyone on American Idol that he can sing an insane range of notes, put meaning behind what he's singing regardless of his age, and proved to be a clearly genuine artist that has stayed true to himself since making it in the industry. If you even slightly enjoy listening to country, I STRONGLY suggest you listen to his new music. Go beyond listening to his top two songs because his entire album is amazing. He was given the opportunity to record songs that were written by well known artists and songwriters such as Keith Urban and Chris Tompkins that not only stayed within the country genre, but also that you as the listener could see he had a connection to. Let me know what you think! What are your favorite songs?

    Side note: he's adorable, which obviously makes you want to listen to it even more, I mean, if you know what's good for you! :)

Inspiration

     A simple word that has far more meaning than most would generally tend to give. Without inspiration, what gives us enough positivity to keep going when things get tough? Without inspiration how do we complete tasks that everyone tells us are impossible? There is no other answer.
     I used to believe that inspiration came solely from significant events or people that in some way or another caused great impact within your life. Although that is entirely possible, I've learned that even the smallest of things: an action, a phrase or saying, or even a picture can inspire someone even if for just a day.
    Almost everyday of my life I see or hear something or someone that makes me smile, but most of all I realize that there are people out there that have it far more worse than I could even imagine. Those simple THOUGHTS inspire me to make the most of my life, take chances, and remember that not only is every day a new day, but it could also be your last day.
   
     Speaking of inspiration, I have two very permanent reminders of how important inspiration is to me and my life. Tattooed on my left foot I have the quote, "Dare to be remarkable". This quote means the world to me. I see this tattoo every day and it reminds me that I have the ability to be the best person I can be and that no one can stand in the way of that, except for myself. Although I may not do something that is "remarkable" in the minds of people all over the world, I would hope that the people close to me know that I give everything I've got in everything I do.
     Also, every last member in my family inspires me on a daily basis. The things they do for me, for others, and the things each person has gone through are unreal. For those reasons in and of themselves, my family means the absolute world to me. I would give anything for my family and it goes without saying that they would do the same for me. I wanted to do something that allowed me to remember everyday just how much my family inspired and meant to me. I was thinking of the line about how people 'wear their hearts on their sleeves' and I thought that was an interesting saying. I figured my arm, or wrist rather, was a substitute for my sleeve, and in lieu of simply a heart, replace with my family. Thus, my family tattoo on my wrist. Each day I get to see my tattoo and know just how special not only the tattoo is, but my family as well.

    Aside from my tattoos, other things and people tend to inspire me. Most importantly, my mom, Eve. She can honestly, without a doubt find the good in any situation. She is the most positive and outgoing woman I know; and to me, that means the world. With everything she has gone through, I truly don't understand how she is the amazing, beautiful woman she is today. But some how, through all of the dark, she finds the light. And that is simply inspiring to me. Anyone who has ever met Eve would easily vouch for me. She was the mom that everyone loved and adored. She is my hero, my role model, my everything. I don't know what I would do without her! She is my wonder wall <3

it's that time of the semester...

Sorry for the delay! I have been insanely busy with work and school this last week! However, it's getting to be that time of the semester where I am losing any and all motivation that is left within me. My school work is piling up and I continue to just sit. Sit watching tv, sit on the computer, sit on the couch and stare out the window. I have found anything and everything to do to keep me distracted enough so as not to do my homework. I am lucky enough to have a job that allows me to do my homework while on the job. But does that give me more incentive to get my work done? Not necessarily.. I generally sit at my desk and stare at my planner and work. Here's a peak at what I stare at for hours on end without actually doing anything! By the way, is anyone else in this boat with me!?

 

So, instead of doing something productive and worth while, I have been making mental lists. So far, I have successfully put together a Christmas list (yes, I am well aware that it is only October), a list of things I will be buying with my first pay check, and ironically, a list of school work I need to do that I know I won't be doing until much later...maybe even not at all :) I'm sorry this is such a lame blog, but to spice things up a little bit I'll post a couple of pictures of what I'm asking for for xmas/what I'll be purchasing in the near future to give you all a jump start on your holiday shopping ideas! Enjoy!

One of the most important things I asked for for christmas was a spoon ring made from one of the antique spoons my grandma left behind. Hopefully my mom gets it made by christmas time! We've been talking about getting them done for a while now!

Most definitely asking for a pair of real toms! I have a total off brand copy cat of them and I love them, so it just makes sense to get a real pair! They go with everything!

Every year I ask for a new perfume. Two years ago I got my all time favorite, Dolce & Gabbana's Light Blue. Last year I got Chance by Chanel, and this year I think I'm going to ask for one of my favorite brands, BCBG! So excited!

What are YOU asking for for Christmas?!

chilly weather!

Well, Colorado has done a fantastic job pushing the cool weather away. Today we had a record high of 80 degrees and sunny, it was beautiful! However, to my dismay, warm weather can only stay for so long. Tomorrow's forecast is borderline the complete opposite of today's record. The prediciton? A high of 55 and cloudy with a chance of snow flurries! I am so not ready for this! As much as I wish for the beautiful fall we have had to stay put, there is one thing that can make this cool and chilly weather tolerable. HOT CHOCOLATE!
Don't get me wrong, I love all the warm cappuccinos and mocha lattes available at Starbucks and Caribou. The downside to those little treasures...the price! Spending $5.00+ on a drink seems pretty unrealistic to this girl, especially when you can make a great cup of hot chocolate for a LOT less all by yourself! So, I did my research and found a very helpful article on yahoo.com about how to make the PERFECT cup of hot cocoa. If you follow these quick and easy little pointers, you will be well on your way to a delicious cup of hot chocolate that you can cozy up with next to the flickering fire place.

Rule One: Be sure to use quality chocolate. Don't settle for the packages of cocoa powder you buy in bulk at the grocery stores, they can often have a displeasing texture if not prepared properly. Instead, use really nice chocolate shavings. They melt effortlessly in the steaming liquid. If you can't find chocolate shavings, I happen to know that Ghirardelli makes a great quality chocolate powder!

Rule Two: I used the word liquid in rule one because some people like to use hot water while others prefer steamed milk. According to the article, the choice that creates the best cup of hot chocolate is MILK. By using milk, you create a more creamy and heavy consistancy of hot cocoa, rather than a watered down or watery consistancy.

Rule Three: If you are really into this whole process, you can go one step further. When combining these two indgredients, it has been suggested that you heat the milk, pour over the chocolate, and put the enitre mixture back into the pan on the stove and let heat until it boils. Once it starts boiling, pour back into your big ol' mug and enjoy! By doing this, you are letting the mixture infuse.

Last but not least, save the left overs! If you decided to make an entire pitchers worth of hot cocoa, save the extra in the fridge and reheat the following day. By allowing the mixture to sit together, the chocolate and milk can further infuse for a richer taste!

OH! And don't forget the mini marshmellows and whip cream to top it off! :)

Hope you guys try this out! I plan on making a big batch of hot chocolate that I can reheat and take to class in the mornings to keep me warm! Give it a try this winter!

fall finds..

Hey all! If you know me at all, you know I "window" shop online every single day. So, I think, "why should today be any different?" I mean, I generally have no money to spend, but a girl can dream! Clothes are one of my weaknesses, and I can't help but flip through pages of magazines and click the next button and the bottom of the online website. Anyways, I just thought I would post a couple of cute and casual, yet stylish fall items I would love to have. And the best part about them, they are super inexpensive! Enjoy :)

Super fun and cozy sweater/sweatshirt full of color. Only $17.95 at H&M!

 Pair the cozy H&M sweater with these cuffed dark denim jeans for $10.50 from Forever21!

For shoes, try these cognac boots by Steve Madden! 

Usually upwards of $100, but at Famous Footwear, only $69.95!

 

Finish this fall look with a couple of cute bracelets, 

both on sale at Target! Left: $12.48 and Right: $7.48

This entire look is just under $120.00! And the best part about it, EVERYTHING can be worn with or without each other and you can mix and match with other pieces in your wardrobe!

PUMPKINS!

Well, it's pumpkin season! It has been quite some time since the last time I actually carved a pumpkin for Halloween. And to be honest, I can't exactly remember when the last time was!? I know...inexcusable. But this year I couldn't wait to get carving. My brother, Taylor, his girlfriend, Gia, and I decided we would have a little contest this year: who could carve the BEST pumpkin? We weren't allowed to follow a pattern or look up ideas on the internet; we had to do it all on our own. Needless to say, everyone thinks their own pumpkin is the best, but as you can see by my pictures, my guy definitely takes the cake! I was a little rusty, so I decided to just take it easy and do my thing: basic shapes. Haha!

                             
My artwork. Me and my main man, Bucky the Mustache Rider. I was going to attempt to carve a pirate, so that is where the X's for eyes come into play. However, then I couldn't figure out how to continue onwards with that idea, enter: the mustache. The hardest part was carving the circular lineage perfectly in order to display the best possible mustache a pumpkin could ask for. I was nearing the end of my carving when I realized two eyes and a mustache isn't enough. It was missing a little something...a mouth or teeth or something?! And to finish my masterpiece, BUCK TEETH. Here is Bucky in all his glory...

As you can see, Bucky the Mustache Rider is pretty phenom. But just to be fair, take a look at the... close runners up! Gia's cat, Fluffy and Taylor's...let's say...abstract ManGuy.

What do you guys think?! Who's pumpkin deserves the best spot near the front door? I mean, I think it's fairly obvious that Bucky is golden...

fall -- the best time of the year!

     Fall has seriously snuck up on me this year! The weather here in Denver, CO has been crazy! One day it's 85 degrees and sunny, and the nexts its 55 degrees with a cool fall breeze. The trees have finally started to turn and they are beautiful against the Rocky Mountains. The coming of fall brings us to an entirely new season with new trends and old traditons.
     I've done my fair share of online "browsing" this month and noticed a lot fun styles and trends! Of course, warm, neutral, earth tones are the go to colors every autumn, but to spice up your tradish fall look, adding a single pop of your favorite bright color seem to be a great eye catcher! A site I am recently obsessed with is http://www.shopruche.com/index.php ! I browse it almost on a daily basis. So many cute and vintage things with a modern twist! Funny how all of my friends new about this great little site and kept it a secret for so long! Well, here you go world, its an awesome place for great looks at a seriously decent price!



     Ruche also has a TON of adorable gift ideas for the upcoming holidays. I already have a cart started for my holiday shopping...I think it's safe to say I have a SLIGHT shopping addiction. This website is super addicting but a total must! Check it out! I hope you guys enjoy and get inspired to step up your wardrobe this fall :)

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    On another note, it's October, the season of Halloween! Halloween is definitely one of my top three favorite holidays of the year! So many fun and spooky decorations, delicious candy, and cute kids! For anyone that knows me, they know I am not an entirely huge fan of those little trouble makers (and that's me putting it nicely), BUT it really is the one night of the year that I find running and screaming kiddlets adorable.

    I can't wait to see what everyone has come up with for costumes this year...so many choices for just a single night of fun! I'm hoping to be able to find a fun recipe for halloween cookies or cupcakes! If I find one worthy enough, I will definitely post it here! Can't wait to see and hear about the adventures everyone gets into this year! Stay safe and sassy!