Change of seasons.

Oh how the weeks are just flying by!

My days in Provo are coming to an end as I will be graduating next week (crazy), and will soon be heading out to New York (for good this time).

There is so much going on right now with finishing up the semester, throwing a few bridal showers, and finding time to pack.
I also have a few more trips planned this next month before I really settle down and throw myself into reality.

I'm hoping within all the craziness I'll be able to really enjoy these last few weeks I have here in Provo.
The transition is all very exciting, but a little bittersweet at the same time.
This town has been good to me for the past 4 years...
a lot of memories have been made that I am so very thankful for.
Cheers to graduating and for what lies ahead!

xo

As of late...

With taking only a few "fun" classes this semester and working part-time on the side,
one might wonder what in the world I do with all my free time. 

Well... I wonder that same exact thing.

My days are usually spent going to spin/yoga in the wee hours of the morning, reading a good book in bed,
running errands (on a good day), planning for the future (jobs, etc..) and trying out new vegan
recipes at night while reminiscing with friends.

My life isn't much at the moment, but I'm enjoying this free time while it lasts.

Ps. Is anyone else excited that Valentine's Day is just around the corner??
I just love planning for this holiday and excited to celebrate it!
And of course, who could NOT love Krispy Kreme's Valentine donuts?
They are a great way to break a vegan diet :)

Hope everyone is enjoying their week!
xo

The Artist.

This past weekend my mom was in town so we decided to go see
Michel Hazanavicius' charming homage to the early days of cinema, The Artist.

We had been DYING to see it ever since it came out and had heard amazing things about it, so we were very excited to see it together!

It was truly glorious in the purest form.
I found myself laughing and crying all at the same time. 

There was so much passion, glam, and culture in the 20's... all of which were expressed in this silent film.
It may be something less than a great movie, but it is an irresistible reminder of nearly everything that makes a movie great.

images

Hooray for 2012!

I can't believe the New Year is already here!

As I look back on 2011, it amazes me how many memories I have and all that I experienced.

 There were times of laughter, stress, joy, uncertainty, anticipation...

and although it was probably one of my most challenging years, I am grateful for it.

One of my favorite things to do is write down my new year resolutions so at the end of the year I can look back and see all that I have accomplished. I usually make two lists: one that is simple and fun, and another that is more personal and specific of what I hope to accomplish that year.
This year will be interesting with all the changes that will occur, but I couldn't be more excited.

Cheers for new beginning, a fresh start, and a chance to become better!

2012 is going to be grand... I know it. 

The Journey to Christmas.

Sunday morning we woke up early to go to Music and the Spoken Word.

I was so touched by the beautiful music as the choir sang different arrangements of Christmas carols.
We sat right in front so we could see the orchestra play their instruments with such feeling and passion.

I was also so touched by the message that was shared, and found it to be true to not only Christmas, but my life.
How often I forget to live in the moment and recognize those things that are preparing me for what lies ahead.
It was such an inspiring program and I am so glad we were able to go.

"The month of December is a time of joyful anticipation. The sights, sounds, and smells of the season evoke feelings of excitement and wonder. For generations, children—and grown-ups—have used advent calendars and paper chains to count down the days. But does our focus ever become so fixed on the future that we forget to enjoy the journey to Christmas? This year, instead of just looking forward, let’s also take pleasure in the preparations: in the little, less spectacular moments along the way, even in the spontaneous joys that may, at first, seem like interruptions to our bigger plans. In order to recognize those moments for what they could be, it sometimes helps to slow things down a bit. We may need to shop less and savor more. We might have to dim the bright lights in order to see the stars in the heavens, but if we look, we will find them. Often it takes a child to redirect our focus. Think of how much children enjoy the present moments, the preparations, and not just the finished products. When helping to decorate the home, wrap presents, or bake Christmas treats, they usually make more of a mess than we would; they might not do it just right, but they also usually enjoy the moment more than we do! Their enthusiasm can be contagious. A three-year-old girl, wholeheartedly living in the present, exclaimed: "It’s not tomorrow! It’s not today! It’s to-now!”  When was the last time you felt "to-now”? Yes, we are busy. But the days leading to Christmas are not just to be endured. In fact, perhaps they offer more of what the season is really about. The promise of Christmas is everywhere to behold. It’s not saved for Christmas morning. If we have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to open, we truly can enjoy the journey to Christmas." - Lloyd D. Newell

Things I love...

1. Peppermint steamers at Starbucks

2. BYU Bookstore's white-chocolate-sprinkle-Christmas-tree-pretzels
3. Reading a good book in bed when it's snowing outside
4. Early morning yoga

5. Reminiscing and laughing with old friends

6. Homemade chocolate covered strawberries

Goodbye fall, hello winter.

You know winter is on its way when the once beautiful orange fall tree outside your home is now bare and cold.

Is it just me, or did October just fly by?

Fall came and went way too fast for me this year...although, I am excited to start wearing my big coats, wool sweaters, and boots. I usually dread this transition of seasons, but I am actually looking forward to it this year. Maybe it's because I know this might be the last real winter I'll have for awhile...or maybe it's because I can finally start wearing my black leggings that I just love.
Either way, I'm going to make the most of this winter season and hope to enjoy it while it lasts.
(which we all know will probably be for awhile...)

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!

Fall.

Crisp air and falling leaves.
Isn't fall just the best?
It is probably my favorite season to be in Utah.

A few weeks back the girls and I got to spend a weekend up in Deer Valley at the Stein Eriksen Lodge. 

We could not get enough of the beautiful drive through the canyon and our view from our room!

It was breathtaking and a perfect little getaway. 

Hope everyone is enjoying this weather before it gets cold!

Distracted.

Found this video to be so true with how my life is right now. 

When it comes time to get crackin' on things, I always find ways to distract myself.
(for example, I have opted to blog instead of studying stats...yeah yeah yeah.)
Everyday I make a "to-do" list of all the things I need to get accomplished...
and I'll be honest, I usually only get half of it completed.


Some might say this video is taking it to the extreme, but I think it's brilliant.
Enjoy my friends.

Mary Poppins.

Last Thursday I got invited to go see the Mary Poppins Broadway show with my good friend Brittany and her family. With so much going on and with so much on my mind lately, it was exactly what I needed. Mary Poppins was one of my FAVORITE movies growing up, and the show was better than I expected. The music, the dancing, the costumes—it was all so amazing! And what better person to have gone with than the girl who I just adore? It was probably one of the best nights I’ve had in awhile… and all thanks to her!

On my drive home I got stuck in some traffic (and when I say some, I mean 2 hours worth), which of course left my mind and thoughts to race. I realized that in all the uncertainty of my life right now, there are a few things that remain constant: the gospel, my family, and my friends. It’s amazing to think how each one of those things has influenced my life. Even though there is uncertainty, there are still a lot of exciting things going on right now, and I can only think that it is because of those constant things that I have been able to be where I am at today.
I’m happy and thriving, and life is good.

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend!

xo

Red lips.

A few weeks ago I took a little trip to Colorado to spend some time with my family. 

While all the boys were at the Texas/BYU game, the girls were in Denver (where my sister lives) playing and having fun.
We stayed up in Breckenridge and enjoyed the beautiful scenery as we hiked and strolled around the little towns.
It is always nice to be able to get away to spend time with family, especially when I get to see this lady:

There is never a dull moment with her...
One second she is dancing around the room, the next she is off talking to some stranger for hours and hours.
She is the queen of all things that taste and look good.
(I get my red lips from her.)

I feel so lucky to have her in my life...
She really is amazing.
Love you Karma Rae!
xo

Quote of the day.

“I hope someday you will have a longing that seems to wring your soul where you hit a wall that seems insurmountable. If your duty lies beyond that wall, do not stand back and say, ‘I cannot do it.’ You may want to do it, but wanting is not sufficient. You must ask God for power. Then you must be willing to exercise your faith and do everything you are able to do. “You can walk from where you stand, up to the wall. When you get there, and you have gone as far as you can, you will find in answer to your prayer that there is a hidden ladder by which you can scale it, or there is a door which you could not see from where you were first standing. God’s hand is shown. He will help you. All good things require effort. That which is worth having will cost part of your physical being, your intellectual power and your spiritual power. ‘Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.’ But you have to ask, you have to knock, you have to seek.”

- President David O. McKay

Never forget...

On this 10th anniversary of 9/11, may we never forget those who have fallen and those loved ones they left behind. 

God bless America.

xo

I'm back!

After spending much of my summer traveling, I finally made it back to Utah. 

My trip to California was a blast (pictures to come) and as much as I miss New York,
it feels good to be back to what I have called home for the past 3 years. 

School starts in exactly one week, so my hope is to make the most of this last week of
freedom by being outside and taking advantage of the beautiful weather. 

Everything is so green and lush-- I love Utah in the summer!

I have been busy packing and moving into our new place, so bear with me on the lack of posts. 

Once I figure a few things out I'll get back on my groove. 

Until then, enjoy the rest of your summer! 

xo

From East Coast to West Coast.

Sorry for the lack of posts lately!

There has been so much going on that I haven't had a chance to blog very much. 

My mom came out to spend my last week in New York with me, so I have been busy playing tour guide.

Even though we had a whole week to explore the city, we STILL didn't get to do all that we wanted to do!

It seriously amazes me with how much there is to do in New York.

Here is a taste of what we did:

Patsy's Pizza

Brooklyn Flea Market

Staten Island Ferry and Statue of Liberty.

Anything Goes! Best musical. 

Antique shopping. 

Shake Shack. Delish. 

Top of the Rock. Best view of the city!

Brunch at Clinton St. Baking Company. Love love the blueberry pancakes!

Sunday I packed up all my belongings and said my goodbyes to my life in the city. 

It was very bittersweet, but I'm excited to get back to my normal routine of things. 

Monday morning my mom and I jumped on a plane and headed out to California for about a week before it is time for me to go back to Utah.

It has been so fun spending time with her and traveling around...

We have visited so many places and have ate some amazing food-- such a shame it is all going to end!

Hope everyone is enjoying their week! 

All good things must come to an end.

It's true. 

All good things must come to an end.

I have exactly 1 week left in the city, and I am definitely feeling bittersweet about it. 

For so long I was looking forward to this experience and now it is slowly coming to an end.
Seriously, where does the time go?

(the beautiful sunset on my evening run)

Even though endings can be sad, I'll be leaving with some great memories and great friendships.
I have learned so much while out here and can only be grateful for this experience.

I really couldn't have asked for a better summer.

Lately.

As of today, I have exactly 3 weeks until my time here in New York comes to an end.

I can't believe with how fast the month of July has gone by!

Even though I have already done so much here in the city, there is still so much I want to do and see!

I'm trying to take advantage of the beautiful weather and the time I have left to do all that I can before it is time to head back. 

Here is a glimpse of what I've been up to lately... 

(besides working, of course)

Lunch at Chelsea Market. 

Broadway in Bryant Park. 

Beach. 

Sleeping Beauty Ballet. 

Dinner on the roof with friends.

Sunsets. 

Free crepes at work for Bastille Day!

Mets vs. Phillies game with fireworks after. 

Evening runs in the pouring rain. 

Hope everyone is having a great Monday!

xo

Things I love...

City lights.

Dark chocolate sprinkled donuts. 

Naps on Governor's Island. 

Colors and prints of these beauties. 

Ruan Hoffmann's handcrafted ceramic collection.

The fact that Butter Lane cupcakes now has BLUE BELL.

Life is good. 

This time last year...

I was traveling Europe and living abroad in London. 

I seriously can't believe that a year has come and gone...

There isn't a day that goes by where I don't think about the people I met,
the wonderful food I ate, and the cities I explored.

It really was a summer of dreams.