I'm working extra hard to create a brand new blog and new direction for yours truly!
If you wouldn't mind, I would LOVE if you took the time to answer these questions. THANK YOU! :)
Take the Survey HERE
a little more word vomit.
Monday, December 1, 2014
I have just been thinking a lot lately. You probably read my post about my mini midlife crisis. (I was blown away by all the support and love. I loved reading each comment and actually wrote them all in my journal. I'm weird like that. But seriously, thank you so much! It means the world to know that you guys have faith in me and my pursuit of whatever might happen next.)
Here's the deal. I still feel a little bit stuck. I feel a little bit lost. I know it takes time, but I don't like the stuck & lost phase. I hate it, actually. Chase will tell you.
I know who I am and I know what I like to do, but it's the figuring out how-that-translates-into-a-career thing that is the trickiest part. I've taken a few quizzes online (Chase makes fun of me, but I think they're fun), and it's really interesting to me that most of them tell me I should be a teacher, nurse, politician.... the biggest underlying theme seems to be that I want to help people. I already knew that without taking any silly quiz.. My biggest motivator is I want to feel like I am making a meaningful difference and I want to help people.
I feel like I have tried a whole bunch of things that at the time felt like such a good fit, and they've all been teaching me and preparing me for something bigger and more purposeful, but I just don't know what the next thing is. Is there something I'm missing? (Mom, don't say have babies! That will happen when it's supposed to!) And maybe I just need to slow down and do nothing for awhile... Which is fine, but anyone that knows me knows that I can't just sit and do nothing... ;)
Who else has been here? How did you get un-stuck?
How did you figure out what you wanted to do with your life?
What are some things you tried to help you figure out what you wanted to do?
It is kind of an exciting time. I get to do whatever I want and be whatever I want to be! But what?
Seriously, though! I would love to hear from you. Please take the time to share some thoughts and insights, I would truly love it. Either comment below or email me: marierin@gmail.com
Here's the deal. I still feel a little bit stuck. I feel a little bit lost. I know it takes time, but I don't like the stuck & lost phase. I hate it, actually. Chase will tell you.
I know who I am and I know what I like to do, but it's the figuring out how-that-translates-into-a-career thing that is the trickiest part. I've taken a few quizzes online (Chase makes fun of me, but I think they're fun), and it's really interesting to me that most of them tell me I should be a teacher, nurse, politician.... the biggest underlying theme seems to be that I want to help people. I already knew that without taking any silly quiz.. My biggest motivator is I want to feel like I am making a meaningful difference and I want to help people.
I feel like I have tried a whole bunch of things that at the time felt like such a good fit, and they've all been teaching me and preparing me for something bigger and more purposeful, but I just don't know what the next thing is. Is there something I'm missing? (Mom, don't say have babies! That will happen when it's supposed to!) And maybe I just need to slow down and do nothing for awhile... Which is fine, but anyone that knows me knows that I can't just sit and do nothing... ;)
Who else has been here? How did you get un-stuck?
How did you figure out what you wanted to do with your life?
What are some things you tried to help you figure out what you wanted to do?
It is kind of an exciting time. I get to do whatever I want and be whatever I want to be! But what?
Seriously, though! I would love to hear from you. Please take the time to share some thoughts and insights, I would truly love it. Either comment below or email me: marierin@gmail.com
Free Thanksgiving Printable
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Thanksgiving is just around the corner! I love this time of year. I love this specific holiday not only for all the yummy food, but as a time to think and reflect about what I am thankful for!
I love Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk, Grateful in Any Circumstances. If you haven't read it recently (or ever!), I would encourage you to do so. Religious or not, it is a fantastic reminder that we can find something to be grateful for in any season of life.
"Everyone’s situation is different, and the details of each life are unique. Nevertheless, I have learned that there is something that would take away the bitterness that may come into our lives. There is one thing we can do to make life sweeter, more joyful, even glorious. We can be grateful!"
With that in mind, I created this little printable you can download and enjoy in your home this week (or all year!) ;)
Click HERE to download!
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving week!
What are you thankful for?
Word Vomit
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
(sorry about the title. It's the only thing I could think of that accurately describes what kind of post this is...)
Where, where, where do I begin?
I have wanted to write this post for a few months. Just to get my thoughts out into the universe. Sometimes it helps me more than it will help anyone else reading it.
You know, I have changed my mind about what I want to be when I grow up a zillion times.
A zillion.
When I was a Senior in high school, all I knew was that I wanted to be creative.
Then I got into college and thought maybe I would try and be a Disney animator.
Then I decided that wasn't super realistic for me and thought I would give Fashion School a shot (because that's sooo much more realistic...)
Then I went back to the Disney plan.
Next I decided Wedding Planner had my name written all over it. Nope.
That's when I got into floral and I thought I could maybe make that happen...
Then I decided maybe freelance work and graphic design was my thing.
And now I'm changing my mind.. Again.
Lately I have not been feeling very fulfilled in my career life.
I have discovered that the Wedding industry is just not for me.
The last few months I felt like I was trying to force a square into a circle, and while that may have worked for Apollo 13, it is not working for me.
People would tell me things like "It looks like your flower business is just booming!"... Well, let's be real. It's not. When people would say that I almost felt guilty and superficial like I was showing people that I was successful when I am far from it, and all I want is to be genuine.
Also, I just can't compete with all the talent happening right now. There are SO many local florists who are way more talented and busy than I am. Most of them are amazing people, too, and deserve all the success in the world.
So..
I decided to not do flowers in 2015 and once I made the decision I felt relieved. (Which is so good.)
I started a new personal/private account on Instagram. I haven't decided if I will keep my old [floral] one and just transition to whatever I transition to, or if I will just delete it entirely...
Does anyone else have this weird feeling to impress strangers on Instagram or is that just me? It's so ridiculous! In real life I don't even care, but on Instagram somehow I do.. Explain that to me... ???
All I know is I want to be genuinely me, make art, and make pretty things. And I want to teach people art and how to make pretty things.
Over the summer I had a few girls come over and help me with flowers here and there. They were a HUGE help to me---not only with flowers, but with helping me know that I LOVE to teach.
After the first day, Chase asked me how it went and I told him it was the best day ever!
I felt so good knowing that I was helping other people learn new skills!
I don't have the opportunity to finish school right now, but who knows...for now I want to maybe start teaching art lessons and then start a blog where parents and kids can come and learn some cool techniques and projects and then go spend some quality time together creating and doing art together.... but that could change! ;)
I don't know.... I just feel like I'm rambling now.
Tell me I'm not the only one who is going through a midlife crisis? Seriously.
Where, where, where do I begin?
I have wanted to write this post for a few months. Just to get my thoughts out into the universe. Sometimes it helps me more than it will help anyone else reading it.
You know, I have changed my mind about what I want to be when I grow up a zillion times.
A zillion.
When I was a Senior in high school, all I knew was that I wanted to be creative.
Then I got into college and thought maybe I would try and be a Disney animator.
Then I decided that wasn't super realistic for me and thought I would give Fashion School a shot (because that's sooo much more realistic...)
Then I went back to the Disney plan.
Next I decided Wedding Planner had my name written all over it. Nope.
That's when I got into floral and I thought I could maybe make that happen...
Then I decided maybe freelance work and graphic design was my thing.
And now I'm changing my mind.. Again.
Lately I have not been feeling very fulfilled in my career life.
I have discovered that the Wedding industry is just not for me.
The last few months I felt like I was trying to force a square into a circle, and while that may have worked for Apollo 13, it is not working for me.
People would tell me things like "It looks like your flower business is just booming!"... Well, let's be real. It's not. When people would say that I almost felt guilty and superficial like I was showing people that I was successful when I am far from it, and all I want is to be genuine.
Also, I just can't compete with all the talent happening right now. There are SO many local florists who are way more talented and busy than I am. Most of them are amazing people, too, and deserve all the success in the world.
So..
I decided to not do flowers in 2015 and once I made the decision I felt relieved. (Which is so good.)
I started a new personal/private account on Instagram. I haven't decided if I will keep my old [floral] one and just transition to whatever I transition to, or if I will just delete it entirely...
Does anyone else have this weird feeling to impress strangers on Instagram or is that just me? It's so ridiculous! In real life I don't even care, but on Instagram somehow I do.. Explain that to me... ???
All I know is I want to be genuinely me, make art, and make pretty things. And I want to teach people art and how to make pretty things.
Over the summer I had a few girls come over and help me with flowers here and there. They were a HUGE help to me---not only with flowers, but with helping me know that I LOVE to teach.
After the first day, Chase asked me how it went and I told him it was the best day ever!
I felt so good knowing that I was helping other people learn new skills!
I don't have the opportunity to finish school right now, but who knows...for now I want to maybe start teaching art lessons and then start a blog where parents and kids can come and learn some cool techniques and projects and then go spend some quality time together creating and doing art together.... but that could change! ;)
I don't know.... I just feel like I'm rambling now.
Tell me I'm not the only one who is going through a midlife crisis? Seriously.
wedding announcements
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Never in a thousand years did I think I would design a wedding announcement suite.
Kenzi contacted me after seeing a few things I had posted on Instagram and commissioned me to design these for her upcoming wedding.
I was super flattered, and couldn't wait to get started on her rusic-feel announcements using watercolor and calligraphy for their names.
Here is the finished product:
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I had them printed giclee on fine art natural cardstock through Rowley Press. If you are ever in the market to have your fine art prints printed, use them! They primarily do letterpress, and did such a fabulous job with these giclee announcements. They were prompt to respond to my questions and were SO helpful. I can't say enough good things about them.
I learned a lot in the process, and I will do more in the future.. stay tuned! ;)
...
Calligraphy Made Easy | Basic Supplies
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
If you haven't jumped on the calligraphy train yet, I suggest you do so! Pronto! It's so fun, easy, and very relaxing! ..At least I think so.... ;)
Initially I got started at a calligraphy workshop with Melissa Esplin (link below), but then I've been watching videos on YouTube, reading the Modern Calligraphy book (link below), and I've just played around with different holders, nibs, inks, and paper. Really, it's just trial and error until you find something you love. The nibs and holders that I love may not be your favorite. So get a bunch and just play! It's so fun! (I can't say that enough!)
Here is a little infographic to show you what the very basic supplies are. I've included links below! Let me know if you have any questions! I will continue to blog about this fun hobby, so stay tuned!
You can find calligraphy supplies at pretty much any craft or art supply store, I've included some links below so you know what you're looking for :)
My go-to places for calligraphy supplies are Hobby Lobby and Provo Art & Frame.
Hobby Lobby has a great starter package with a nib holder and a few nibs to try.
Ink:
(look for acrylic-based or calligraphy inks.
If your ink is too watery it will bleed!)
Nib Holders:
Nibs:
Get Started!
Hopefully this helps! Have fun!
I will answer specific Nib questions in an upcoming post! Sorry I didn't get to those questions quite yet in this one. :)
Floral Design by Erin
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Doing flowers is one of my many side jobs/hobbies. I love flowers.
How can you not? They are so beautiful.
Pictures are worth a thousand words, right?
I mean...
Another Quiz
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Here are the results from one of those silly quizzes I took online. I kind of liked the results, though. They were pretty spot on with the "...as long as you genuinely express yourself, you feel like the person you were meant to be.".. #truth
You are an artist: You came out of the womb with a paintbrush in your hand. Or maybe it was a flute or a castanet or a fountain pen to go with your poet’s imagination. The point is, you’re an original, and you know it. Even if you don’t have a singular gift, you’re drawn to the arts—anything creative, for that matter— and you have a unique way of looking at the world. Your need for depth and authenticity in relationships can lead to both great joy and profound sorrow, depending on whether others reciprocate. You don’t care so much about adapting to group or societal expectations; your independence and sharp intuition propel you on your own path.
What to watch out for: When fear of conformity overrides your creativity, you can assume the role of “outsider” or “orphan” and end up feeling alienated. You may even go so far as refusing to vote or pay taxes. This lone-wolf stance might be a defense against feeling vulnerable. Try to be aware that blaming others for your banishment, or pushing away those who want to get close, only makes things worse. Also, dramatizing your emotions can interfere with your creativity.
Looking ahead: As long as you genuinely express yourself, you feel like the person you were meant to be. How you do it is irrelevant. A chef or architect can be as much of an artist as a painter or sculptor. Many advertising and public relations executives are also highly imaginative. Beyond work, there are opportunities everywhere you look to coax out your inner artist: Design your own jewelry line, create an innovative blog, dream up a comic strip. Relationships are another avenue for self-expression.
Looking ahead: As long as you genuinely express yourself, you feel like the person you were meant to be. How you do it is irrelevant. A chef or architect can be as much of an artist as a painter or sculptor. Many advertising and public relations executives are also highly imaginative. Beyond work, there are opportunities everywhere you look to coax out your inner artist: Design your own jewelry line, create an innovative blog, dream up a comic strip. Relationships are another avenue for self-expression.
the obligatory birthday post
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
today i turn 27. so, here is 27 things about me at age 27.
read about me at 25 here. and 24 here.
1. I have wrinkles. The smiling kind by my eyes. And I kind of love them. Is that weird?
2. I'm still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. I'd like to think that as I keep growing and changing my goals and dreams do too. And even if it does get discouraging, it's kind of exciting to chase after new dreams.
3. My little brother will have been gone on his mission 8 months as of this Sunday! I can't believe it. Time is flying and yet taking FOREVER at the same time. I just want him home so we can party!
4. I would love to just spend a summer at a cabin in the mountains or out on a farm without any plans or things to worry about. Like in the movies when life just seems to hold still for the summer..?... you know? I want to do that.
5. I am in love with weddings. And planning weddings. It's way too much fun. And a lot of work. But so worth it!
6. I am hoping I get this for my birthday. (hint, hint, husband!)
7. Chase and I teach the 4 year olds in primary. They are seriously cute, and melt my heart with their sweet prayers. "...please bless that Jesus can come out of the clouds and make it 'wain'..."
8. One of my favorite ways to waste time is looking at Realtor.com, and Skyscanner.com. I am constantly looking for homes in all places around the US (comparing housing prices, different styles of homes/yards..etc.), and I love looking at flights to different places. . Someone will mention where they're headed on vacation and I'm like... Ohh, flights are around $____, right?? (I'm full of so much useful information......)
9. I am hooked on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Hooked! His laugh kills me and he always brings a smile to my face. Watch this. It's one of my favorites. This is really good, too!
10. Top 3 most visited websites (on a daily basis) realsimple.com, pinterest.com, and Disneyland.com (i'm obsessed! which brings me to #11)
11. I am in love with all things Disney. Especially Disney Parks. I'm still kicking myself for not going to DL Paris when I was soooo close. Also, I am trying to figure out a way to make money off my Disneyland obsession. :)
12. My hair is the longest it has ever been and I don't think I will ever part with it. It's so easy throw in a ponytail which is how I wear it 99% of the time.
13. My daily makeup includes moisturizer, blush, and eyebrow pencil. WHY did I not discover the eyebrow pencil until this year? Best thing ever for my baldy/fine eyebrows.
14. It's a good thing I chose to marry Chase because I never get sick of hanging out with that boy. He's kind of my favorite.
15. I would love to go back to the Cinque Terre, eat some pesto lasagna(I still crave it 2 years later), and sit on the beach the rest of the day.
16. The next thing I want to try is Interior Design. Current favorite hobbies are watercolor painting, and calligraphy.
17. My favorite flowers are ranunculus and garden roses. OH, and maidenhair fern. I love it.
18. One of my biggest pet peeves is when someone buys a fancy camera and then all of a sudden they are a professional photographer....that's all I'll say about that. :)
19. It is amazing how a little bit of makeup will boost my confidence about 10x. I'm telling you. Eyebrow Pencil. (Especially now that I'm getting "old"... I think I'm looking older these days. I've been stuck at about 22 years old for awhile and lately I think I look older... ?)
20. I still love Diet Coke. Lately I've been putting either lime or toasted marshmallow flavoring in it (Thanks, Kate!). It sounds gross but it is soo delicious.
21. My favorite rides at Disneyland are Space Mountain and Radiator Springs Racers. Can't get enough.
22. I think about going to the movies and my heart starts pounding and I have cried a time or two. Some people are afraid of flying or heights, Nie is afraid of clusters, I am afraid of movie theaters.
23. Someday I would love to own an art/floral studio (preferably a big barn-type building with lots of windows in my back yard) and just host a ton of workshops and classes. I think that would be so much fun!
24. I still frequent Taco Amigo on a frighteningly regular basis. You have GOT to try their Fresh Peach Shakes in late August-September. They are so. good. You're welcome!
25. I recently had the opportunity to design some wedding announcements and now I want to put some more in my etsy shop (Hopefully I will have that up and running soon... stay tuned. Lots of pretty things in the works!)
26. I got to design some stamp sets for Close To My Heart (my day job). Can't wait to show you all that fun stuff when the new catalog is released in August! #ClosetOMyHeart
27. (it's really hard to think of 27 things about me...). I have the entire Frozen soundtrack memorized. I loove that movie (yes, saw it in theaters opening week despite my fear..). I may be 27, but I get excited about things like I am 10.
Until next year! ;
read about me at 25 here. and 24 here.
 |
| this is the only [iPhone] picture I had of me wearing makeup (no eyebrow pencil, though). That tells you how often I wear it ;) |
1. I have wrinkles. The smiling kind by my eyes. And I kind of love them. Is that weird?
2. I'm still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. I'd like to think that as I keep growing and changing my goals and dreams do too. And even if it does get discouraging, it's kind of exciting to chase after new dreams.
3. My little brother will have been gone on his mission 8 months as of this Sunday! I can't believe it. Time is flying and yet taking FOREVER at the same time. I just want him home so we can party!
4. I would love to just spend a summer at a cabin in the mountains or out on a farm without any plans or things to worry about. Like in the movies when life just seems to hold still for the summer..?... you know? I want to do that.
5. I am in love with weddings. And planning weddings. It's way too much fun. And a lot of work. But so worth it!
6. I am hoping I get this for my birthday. (hint, hint, husband!)
7. Chase and I teach the 4 year olds in primary. They are seriously cute, and melt my heart with their sweet prayers. "...please bless that Jesus can come out of the clouds and make it 'wain'..."
8. One of my favorite ways to waste time is looking at Realtor.com, and Skyscanner.com. I am constantly looking for homes in all places around the US (comparing housing prices, different styles of homes/yards..etc.), and I love looking at flights to different places. . Someone will mention where they're headed on vacation and I'm like... Ohh, flights are around $____, right?? (I'm full of so much useful information......)
9. I am hooked on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Hooked! His laugh kills me and he always brings a smile to my face. Watch this. It's one of my favorites. This is really good, too!
10. Top 3 most visited websites (on a daily basis) realsimple.com, pinterest.com, and Disneyland.com (i'm obsessed! which brings me to #11)
11. I am in love with all things Disney. Especially Disney Parks. I'm still kicking myself for not going to DL Paris when I was soooo close. Also, I am trying to figure out a way to make money off my Disneyland obsession. :)
12. My hair is the longest it has ever been and I don't think I will ever part with it. It's so easy throw in a ponytail which is how I wear it 99% of the time.
13. My daily makeup includes moisturizer, blush, and eyebrow pencil. WHY did I not discover the eyebrow pencil until this year? Best thing ever for my baldy/fine eyebrows.
14. It's a good thing I chose to marry Chase because I never get sick of hanging out with that boy. He's kind of my favorite.
15. I would love to go back to the Cinque Terre, eat some pesto lasagna(I still crave it 2 years later), and sit on the beach the rest of the day.
16. The next thing I want to try is Interior Design. Current favorite hobbies are watercolor painting, and calligraphy.
17. My favorite flowers are ranunculus and garden roses. OH, and maidenhair fern. I love it.
18. One of my biggest pet peeves is when someone buys a fancy camera and then all of a sudden they are a professional photographer....that's all I'll say about that. :)
19. It is amazing how a little bit of makeup will boost my confidence about 10x. I'm telling you. Eyebrow Pencil. (Especially now that I'm getting "old"... I think I'm looking older these days. I've been stuck at about 22 years old for awhile and lately I think I look older... ?)
20. I still love Diet Coke. Lately I've been putting either lime or toasted marshmallow flavoring in it (Thanks, Kate!). It sounds gross but it is soo delicious.
21. My favorite rides at Disneyland are Space Mountain and Radiator Springs Racers. Can't get enough.
22. I think about going to the movies and my heart starts pounding and I have cried a time or two. Some people are afraid of flying or heights, Nie is afraid of clusters, I am afraid of movie theaters.
23. Someday I would love to own an art/floral studio (preferably a big barn-type building with lots of windows in my back yard) and just host a ton of workshops and classes. I think that would be so much fun!
24. I still frequent Taco Amigo on a frighteningly regular basis. You have GOT to try their Fresh Peach Shakes in late August-September. They are so. good. You're welcome!
25. I recently had the opportunity to design some wedding announcements and now I want to put some more in my etsy shop (Hopefully I will have that up and running soon... stay tuned. Lots of pretty things in the works!)
26. I got to design some stamp sets for Close To My Heart (my day job). Can't wait to show you all that fun stuff when the new catalog is released in August! #ClosetOMyHeart
27. (it's really hard to think of 27 things about me...). I have the entire Frozen soundtrack memorized. I loove that movie (yes, saw it in theaters opening week despite my fear..). I may be 27, but I get excited about things like I am 10.
Until next year! ;
Featured Fine Art Print
Sunday, April 27, 2014
I am always excited when photographers reach out to me who want to collaborate.
Usually it is for flowers. LeeYen emailed me and wanted me to do flowers and a print for one shoot, and asked me if I would provide a print for this indie shoot.
I was so very flattered that she would trust me with that project!
I am very new at the whole hand-lettering thing, and still have a lot (a lot) to learn, but I am just thrilled it had a small role in her gorgeous shoot that was featured over at Rock N Roll Bride.
I want to continue to pursue this hobby. It was way too much fun!
Anyway, enjoy these gorgeous images by LeeYen
Featured at Rock N Roll Bride
Bride's Dress | Maggie Sottero via Gateway Bridal
Bride's Headpiece | Danani Handmade Sdornments
Hair & Make Up | Victoria Plant Makeup Artistry
Styling | Dani Hagemeister
Flowers | The Flower Calendar
Stationery | Whimsical Prints and Paper Gifts
Print | Erin Nielson
sketch > finished piece. say what?
Monday, February 3, 2014
Sometimes I really do make finished pieces of art! It's a RARE occasion lately! It is one of my 2014 goals to make more finished pieces of art, though...
Here is the process for this little guy:
^^^Here's the scan of my sketch
^^^after I touched it up in Photoshop
^^^And then I decided to do something completely different with it. I just added in some watercolor flowers I already had on the computer. I'll probably go back and revisit the original at some point because I like where that was going. In the meantime, I totally used the PenTool in Illustrator and it was amazing. What what! The whole time I wanted to yell like Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone, "I'm not afraid anymore! Do you hear me!?? I'm not afraid!!!" Okay, so... The Pen tool scares me a little bit still, and obviously I have a looong way to go. But that's okay! Practice makes perfect, right?
:)
a little peek.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
here's a little peek at a shoot I did the flowers for back in October.
You can head over to my floral website to see more images and get links to all the vendors! :)
awkward family photos: wedding edition
Monday, January 13, 2014
Okay so this post is a year late. Enjoy it either way! I just found these pictures on my mom's computer and I was crying laughing so hard! I didn't remember most of this stuff. :)
I also have no clue who took these pictures. I'm assuming my little brother did. He has a way of taking pictures without anyone knowing!
Rudy aka my dad's favorite child trying out a photo booth prop^^^
^^^Maya's turn. I call her 'Dobby the house dog'... don't her ears look like they could belong to a house elf?....
^^^aaaand grandma's turn... haha.
flower madness^^^ About 15 minutes after this picture was taken, Chase walked in with flowers for me (While I was holding my bouquet). He held them behind his back while I raved and raved about my flowers and then he pulled out the little bunch of dyed carnations.... I felt terrible. But I loved them. I just love him so much. He's so thoughtful. :)
^^^I didn't end up using the dahlia. It was too purple. But look how pretty it is anyway. And that Stock? I'm dying.
all of my favorites were incorporated in my bouquet. I am still swooning over this bad boy^^
^^^centerpieces
^^^who knows what's happening here.... Chase is a goofball!
^^^Trying to give directions to his mother.. :) Our breakfast was at the beautiful Gardens at Dry Creek in Lehi. Suzie is amazing!
^^^My turn to give directions! Chase is ready for the day to be over... Hahah!
^^^Me 'n' ma best girl friendssss! (said like the mom on Mean Girls... :)
|
 |
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Married!
^^^My aunt is so cute. Here she is insisting she get in some pictures of my ring on the bouquet while the photographers/videographers are trying to get in on this......little moments I want to remember :)
^^^ My Mom and Jordan Makin sharing some laughs.
^^^You can see it in his eyes. He is scheming.....
That's when I went in for the kiss and he LICKED my face. Thanks for that, Husband!
^^This was the "Chase's Immediate family" picture.... the guy on the far right looks a little out of place, though, doesn't he? Oh, don't worry. I have no idea who he is. I think he's a cousin or something... he's also in all the professional immediate family photos. And nobody had the heart to say anything! HAHA. I'm dying!!!
So glad my cute cousin Rachel and her husband were able to come! I'm going to share a sweet story about Rachel soon. :)
Thanks for tuning in!
burnt hair + a solution
Friday, January 10, 2014
So, around 2 or so months ago, my blow dryer smelled funny. (first red flag) I thought I shouldn't use it but decided to anyway, and that I would replace it that weekend. (bad idea!)
I used the blow dryer like normal.. (I usually only blow dry my bangs/part in place so that it doesn't go crazy while the rest air dries.)
A few hours later, I ran my fingers through my bang area to put some hair behind my ears when I realized my hair felt a little funny. I didn't think anything of it until the NEXT DAY when my hair still felt funny. I thought maybe I got too much hairspray in one part... nope. I went and looked in the mirror to investigate. Sure enough, my hair was BURNED. It seriously felt like a ton of hair wadded up into a little ratted nest. It's horrible. And it's right on the top of my head. No hiding it, and no cutting it off unless I wanted an ultra short pixie!
I immediately went to Sally's (after throwing away my blow dryer), and bought a new blow dryer. I also bought a new heat protector spray, coconut oil, Moroccan oil spray, and a deep conditioner treatment. I was religious about putting coconut oil in my hair every night before bed, spraying my hair with Moroccan oil, not using my blow dryer (and when I did, only using the COOL setting) ....And you know what? It worked okay, but nothing was making my hair feel even remotely normal again.
BUT for Christmas, I got some Marrakesh Leave-In Conditioner and it is A.MA.ZING. Seriously. My hair still feels burned, but not QUITE as burned feeling. I just spray that in my damp hair, and let it for the most part air dry, and then use my cool setting to blow dry... my hair feels almost normal! It's a big deal, guys. Plus it makes the rest of my hair feel amazing and super-soft. I love it!
I used the blow dryer like normal.. (I usually only blow dry my bangs/part in place so that it doesn't go crazy while the rest air dries.)
 |
| ^^^just a few days before 'the accident' :) |
I immediately went to Sally's (after throwing away my blow dryer), and bought a new blow dryer. I also bought a new heat protector spray, coconut oil, Moroccan oil spray, and a deep conditioner treatment. I was religious about putting coconut oil in my hair every night before bed, spraying my hair with Moroccan oil, not using my blow dryer (and when I did, only using the COOL setting) ....And you know what? It worked okay, but nothing was making my hair feel even remotely normal again.
BUT for Christmas, I got some Marrakesh Leave-In Conditioner and it is A.MA.ZING. Seriously. My hair still feels burned, but not QUITE as burned feeling. I just spray that in my damp hair, and let it for the most part air dry, and then use my cool setting to blow dry... my hair feels almost normal! It's a big deal, guys. Plus it makes the rest of my hair feel amazing and super-soft. I love it!
NYR 2014
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Chase and I started a tradition after we got married. We have a little breakfast in bed, and make our goal list for each of us individually, and goals we want to accomplish together. His are more goals, mine are kind of more bucket list items.
His:
Get straight A's (he will have no problem with that. He's only ever had one B and it was his high school credit that transferred over... makes me sick! my motto is C's get degrees! ;)
Get a Scholarship
Be Healthy. (aka, Big Muscles)
Run a 5k with Erin (I learned yesterday that he was in track in high school? What? I had no idea!)
Mine:
Be Healthy & take better care of myself. This one is a daily struggle, but I'm working on it!
Design & Sew a dress for myself. This one has been on my bucket list forrrevvverrr and this year I will finally do it!
Design a completed paper kit to submit.
Open an Etsy Shop
Run a 5k. This is partly to motivate me to exercise and train. I can barely run one lap around the track.. Pathetic, I know!
Daily Personal Scripture STUDY not just reading.
Create more ART. So far so good on that one. I recently rediscovered my love of watercolor paints and I cannot put them down! So far I've just been playing and haven't really made any 'finished' artwork, so that's the next step.. Create FINISHED art. ;)
Stop worrying (this is a whole other story)
Together:
Travel! We have a couple trips planned; one for sure to Disneyland, and tentatively one to Japan this summer. Japan was never ever (still isn't) on my 'Places I must visit' list, but we might have the opportunity this year, so why not? We will know in a few weeks if that is going to be a thing or not! I'll let y'all know.
Weekly planned date nights & Monthly temple dates
Daily Family Prayer & Scriptures. It's the small things that matter most, people!
I have always loved setting goals. The new year brings new possibilities and opportunities to better ourselves. I love it! Happy happy new year, everyone! I hope 2014 is filled with love, safety, adventures and so much happiness!
His:
Get straight A's (he will have no problem with that. He's only ever had one B and it was his high school credit that transferred over... makes me sick! my motto is C's get degrees! ;)
Get a Scholarship
Be Healthy. (aka, Big Muscles)
Run a 5k with Erin (I learned yesterday that he was in track in high school? What? I had no idea!)
Mine:
Be Healthy & take better care of myself. This one is a daily struggle, but I'm working on it!
Design & Sew a dress for myself. This one has been on my bucket list forrrevvverrr and this year I will finally do it!
Design a completed paper kit to submit.
Open an Etsy Shop
Run a 5k. This is partly to motivate me to exercise and train. I can barely run one lap around the track.. Pathetic, I know!
Daily Personal Scripture STUDY not just reading.
Create more ART. So far so good on that one. I recently rediscovered my love of watercolor paints and I cannot put them down! So far I've just been playing and haven't really made any 'finished' artwork, so that's the next step.. Create FINISHED art. ;)
Stop worrying (this is a whole other story)
Together:
Travel! We have a couple trips planned; one for sure to Disneyland, and tentatively one to Japan this summer. Japan was never ever (still isn't) on my 'Places I must visit' list, but we might have the opportunity this year, so why not? We will know in a few weeks if that is going to be a thing or not! I'll let y'all know.
Weekly planned date nights & Monthly temple dates
Daily Family Prayer & Scriptures. It's the small things that matter most, people!
...
I have always loved setting goals. The new year brings new possibilities and opportunities to better ourselves. I love it! Happy happy new year, everyone! I hope 2014 is filled with love, safety, adventures and so much happiness!
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