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. 

Home for the holidays.

If there is one thing I love most, it is being home for Christmas.

Nothing brings me greater joy than celebrating one of my favorite holidays with the ones I love.
This year was especially special as I got to see cousins and family members that I haven't seen in ages.
I'm not sure where I'll be this time next year, so I tried to savor every moment.
It was a Christmas filled with lots of love, and I feel so blessed to have such amazing people in my life.

Hope everyone had a very merry Christmas!
xo

A birthday wish.

On Thursday I turned twenty-two!
I didn't really get to celebrate it due to finals, but it ended up being one of the best.

It started off early when a dear friend took me to a casual dinner and ice cream the night before. 

We got to catch up and reminisce for a short time before it was time to get back to studying.
I'm sure this friend had better things to do that night, but it was just what I needed and meant a lot.

The next day (my birthday) I spent 10 hours in the library and 4 hours taking an exam.
It was a long day and as you can imagine I was pretty exhausted by the time I got home.
Thanks to my cute roommates though, I got to blow out some candles and make a birthday wish.
And lucky me, that wish is already coming true.

So cheers to turning 22... it's one I won't forget!
xo

The Countdown to Christmas.

This is one of my favorite Christmas commercials this year and thought I'd share.

Enjoy!

Christmas in the city.

Last weekend I had the chance to take a quick trip to New York City.

I feel like it's already my second home as I have traveled out there a few times this semester.

When I go I always have the days planned out on exactly what I want to do, where I want to eat, what I want to see... this time around was a little more relaxing, but of course still did a ton!

For those of you who have never been to the city during the holidays, I definitely recommend it!

There is nothing more magical than ice skating around the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, smelling the fresh pine trees that line the streets, and drinking hot chocolate after the wonderful Nutcracker Ballet. 

It was such a fun trip and was just what I needed before I dive into finals!

xo

"FREE MEAL!"

I tell you, there is nothing better than having a FREE MEAL at Cafe Rio.

It is music to my ears when I hear the friendly employees yell that simple phrase.

For those of you who don't already know, I'm a rio addict. 

I love it so much that I go there at least once a week, and when I walk up to order my friend Hugo says "Hello Niki! Chicken salad today?" 

Yes, the employees know my order like the back of their hand. 

Embarrassed? Not at all.

Thankful.

This year we spent Thanksgiving with three other Texas families up in snowy Deer Valley. 

It was so fun celebrating this holiday with family and good friends!

We ate lots of good food, watched some football (go cowboys!), slept, ate some more, had a little talent show, celebrated some birthdays, and chatted until it was time for everyone to depart. 

Along with watching football, shopping, skiing, and eating, we made our way over 

to Temple Square were we saw the all the Christmas lights! 

I always love it there this time of year... nothing is more magical.

I hope everyone had a fabulous and relaxing Thanksgiving!

xo

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

Bring on the SNOW.

Today was the first day of skiing this season!

While everyone went shopping for Black Friday, my dad, brother and I decided to go down the slopes.

There were no lines, and although it was a little chilly and snowy it was perfect!

Nothing like welcoming winter with a little skiing at Park City.

Hope everyone is staying warm!

gobble gobble.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope it's a good one.

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