i have mini battles in my head on the daily about starting up this little blog of mine again. its just kind of funny because after i decide to make a commitment i end up sitting here, blank faced looking at my computer. i literally cannot think of anything to write about or i think way too hard because i feel like you have to be a good writer to have a blog. but, in reality that is far from the truth and i'm just being blinded by some blogs out there that make me feel like i've accomplished nothing in my 22 years of life (although, i still read them on a daily basis..with out fail).
so here i am, i'm back with the idea of documenting the life of landon and i. there will be many run on sentences, paragraphs that dont make sense and lots of pictures that will most likely bore you while including the good, the bad and the ugly (some pretty too) of what marriage brings. because for me and my family, this is us.
Sunday, 16 June 2013
Wednesday, 17 October 2012
Saturday, 1 September 2012
22 years
On Wednesday I celebrated my 22 birthday. I have always loved my birthday and this one was no exception. I have thought about how weird it is that I have been driving for 6 years, for some reason that just freaks me out a little. But 22 has always been the age that from when I was little I thought I would officially be "grown up". meaning that would be the age where I knew I wanted to be married, which I am, and the age where I would know exactly what I wanted in my life..that hasn't quite happened yet..it really might never happen! and it always seemed that 22 would be just sooo far away. So it's funny that after so many years, 22 is finally where I am at and I absolutely love it! And the fact that my birthday happened to land on my favorite day of the week, I just know that this year is going to be golden.
My mother always does such a good job of making our birthdays the best they can be. She always let's us choose what our special day will be filled with. This year I decided that we would go spend the day in salt lake. Sadly, Landon couldn't miss school or work so he had to miss out on my day of fun so we considered it a girls day.
We ate lunch at an Italian restaurant called sea salt. I had never been but had heard great things so I found it was a safe new bite. I'm pretty picky about my food and it's quality, I'm kind of a food snob, but I can honestly say that I loved it. All the way down to it's last detail, the building was clean, white and downright perfect. Sounds dramatic, but it really was decorated so well, just to my cup of tea. The atmosphere also added to it's greatness. Then the food, so fresh, not too heavy and delicious!
After lunch we headed to city creek and went shopping. Shopping is always a good time so I knew I couldn't go wrong there.
After many many hours we headed home, ate a quick dinner and that's when the real party began. We had the delicious waffle love truck come to my parents house and serve us dessert. No one in my family had ever tried these waffles, including myself, I had only heard about how dang good they were. I mean, the truck itself is so cute that how could you not want it to be at your party? I loved it so much! We all loved each bite and had a sugar high by the end of the night.
Lucky me, my birthday celebration wasn't quite over yet. Because Landon didn't get to spend the day with me on my birthday, we decided to celebrate together that Saturday. Aka yesterday.
Landon took me to ikea and let me have an ikea shopping spree. There was definitely a budget but it was very reasonable considering their cheap prices. I love ikea so much so I had a hay day. We didn't take any pictures, that's how much fun I was having ;)
Landon sure does spoil me rotten. Even in spite of my shopping addiction, he still Loves me. Thank the heavens!
I had such an incredible birthday! I am so thankful for my wonderful husband and family. We created lots of fun new memories and I already feel that 22 is my favorite age yet!
My mother always does such a good job of making our birthdays the best they can be. She always let's us choose what our special day will be filled with. This year I decided that we would go spend the day in salt lake. Sadly, Landon couldn't miss school or work so he had to miss out on my day of fun so we considered it a girls day.
We ate lunch at an Italian restaurant called sea salt. I had never been but had heard great things so I found it was a safe new bite. I'm pretty picky about my food and it's quality, I'm kind of a food snob, but I can honestly say that I loved it. All the way down to it's last detail, the building was clean, white and downright perfect. Sounds dramatic, but it really was decorated so well, just to my cup of tea. The atmosphere also added to it's greatness. Then the food, so fresh, not too heavy and delicious!
After lunch we headed to city creek and went shopping. Shopping is always a good time so I knew I couldn't go wrong there.
After many many hours we headed home, ate a quick dinner and that's when the real party began. We had the delicious waffle love truck come to my parents house and serve us dessert. No one in my family had ever tried these waffles, including myself, I had only heard about how dang good they were. I mean, the truck itself is so cute that how could you not want it to be at your party? I loved it so much! We all loved each bite and had a sugar high by the end of the night.
Lucky me, my birthday celebration wasn't quite over yet. Because Landon didn't get to spend the day with me on my birthday, we decided to celebrate together that Saturday. Aka yesterday.
Landon took me to ikea and let me have an ikea shopping spree. There was definitely a budget but it was very reasonable considering their cheap prices. I love ikea so much so I had a hay day. We didn't take any pictures, that's how much fun I was having ;)
Landon sure does spoil me rotten. Even in spite of my shopping addiction, he still Loves me. Thank the heavens!
I had such an incredible birthday! I am so thankful for my wonderful husband and family. We created lots of fun new memories and I already feel that 22 is my favorite age yet!
Monday, 27 August 2012
DIY coffee table.
As much as i wish that i came up with this idea, i didnt. I found it off of pinterest of course and thought it was too ingenious to not do it myself.
We were in desperate need of a coffee table. I had searched on a daily basis every thrift store imaginable, hoping that i could find one that was short enough to be proportionate with our couch. I never had any luck, or i was being too picky so thankfully i happened upon this fabulous tutorial.
I headed to Ikea with the $39.99 'Lack' coffee table in mind. Found the table, gathered a few other nick knacks that I definitely didnt need but you cant just get 1 thing at ikea, its way too tempting, and headed towards the check out. Each time before i leave ikea i always have to look through the 'as is' section. havent heard of it? its always by the check out, where they put items that have little breakages, scuffs or tears for mostly 50% off. it is honestly my favorite part of ikea. I walked over and guess what i found? the exact table i had in my cart that was going to be $39.99 for $24.00. WHAT?! i was one happy girl and asked the random shopper next to me to help load it on to my cart.
okay so here i am at $24 for this project. Next i went to Lowes to get the wood. I gathered 5 pieces of 1x4x8 wood. side note: did you know that if it says that the wood is 1x4x8 it is ACTUALLY 1x3.5x8? it will always be a half an inch smaller in width than what it says on the sign. just keep that in mind :)
each piece of wood was only $1.48 which is a steal of a deal. I had them cut each piece directly in half, which they did for free, then next I had to deal with the legs of the table. The table was too tall for the couch, thank heavens ikea furniture comes apart so i took each leg off. I brought them with me to lowes and had them cut each leg 1.5 inches off. They were super skeptical because i guess they arent allowed to cut 'outside wood'. i wasnt about to be okay with that so i just kept saying 'okay, will you do it anyways?' and they finally did, they also did that for free. The inside of each leg is hallow, so it really doesnt cause any problems if you decide to have them cut an ikea piece.
finally, i took everything home and painted each piece of wood lightly with a hand brush and white paint that i've been painting everything in my house. Let it dry for about 15 minutes then i used wood glue and nails to hold each piece of wood in place. I bought the small size of wood glue and almost used it all. I nailed 3 nails in to each piece of wood then i stacked a bunch of heavy items on to the top of the table to let it set and dry. I let it dry for about 24 hours then took everything off. I lightly hand sanded the top of the table then i used a circular handle sponge from hobby lobby to put on the polka dots.
FINISHED! the total project cost was $38.00 not too shabby, right? I am so happy with the ending result. This coffee table looks so perfect in our little place and it was also a project that only took me a total of 2 hours, labor time.
please excuse all of the extra business going around in these pictures. There are lots of projects under way that i'm also having a good time with.
We were in desperate need of a coffee table. I had searched on a daily basis every thrift store imaginable, hoping that i could find one that was short enough to be proportionate with our couch. I never had any luck, or i was being too picky so thankfully i happened upon this fabulous tutorial.
I headed to Ikea with the $39.99 'Lack' coffee table in mind. Found the table, gathered a few other nick knacks that I definitely didnt need but you cant just get 1 thing at ikea, its way too tempting, and headed towards the check out. Each time before i leave ikea i always have to look through the 'as is' section. havent heard of it? its always by the check out, where they put items that have little breakages, scuffs or tears for mostly 50% off. it is honestly my favorite part of ikea. I walked over and guess what i found? the exact table i had in my cart that was going to be $39.99 for $24.00. WHAT?! i was one happy girl and asked the random shopper next to me to help load it on to my cart.
each piece of wood was only $1.48 which is a steal of a deal. I had them cut each piece directly in half, which they did for free, then next I had to deal with the legs of the table. The table was too tall for the couch, thank heavens ikea furniture comes apart so i took each leg off. I brought them with me to lowes and had them cut each leg 1.5 inches off. They were super skeptical because i guess they arent allowed to cut 'outside wood'. i wasnt about to be okay with that so i just kept saying 'okay, will you do it anyways?' and they finally did, they also did that for free. The inside of each leg is hallow, so it really doesnt cause any problems if you decide to have them cut an ikea piece.
please excuse all of the extra business going around in these pictures. There are lots of projects under way that i'm also having a good time with.
Sunday, 26 August 2012
Cayman 2012
I call Cayman my second home. My family started going when I was 5 and I have been lucky enough to go back multiple times a year since. We have a home there on the outer skirts of the island where the tourists are far away so that we can go and do absolutely nothing except relax and put the real world behind us. literally we do nothing, it is bliss!
Each of the homes on the island has a name and a color, any color you could ever imagine. Our home is named Kailypso and it is light blue. This year I got to introduce Landon to this dreamy place that I love so much. I cannot tell you how excited I was for him to experience what I have for so many years. I hold this place so close to my heart, I know that sounds totally lame but I really have so much passion for this little island and for our cute little house. It gives me the goosebumps just talking about it! I wish for each and every person to be able to go spend some bit of time in this perfect place.
Now that our family is complete, meaning we are all married, we were able to go to Cayman as a whole. Each person in my family + their spouses + children were able to go except 2. On July 31st we were off for the most perfect 10 day vacation.
We got there in the middle of the day, so naturally I didn't hesitate to show Landon around, but couldn't wait until we had spent a full day there so he could really see what I'm always talking about. That next day we did what we do each and every day; eat breakfast, lounge around, swim, make lunch, go out on the boat, stingray city, snorkel, lounge/play some sand volleyball, eat dinner, play games and on this trip particularly..watched the olympics. Now, that may sound like a lot of stuff and not a whole lot of relaxing but seriously it is such a trip that will recharge you in many positive ways.
We do the same things every single day but maybe add a little bike riding, visits to rum point and kaibo, the pig farm and going to see the mango lady. All things that are a must on our side of the island but not every day sort of things.
We swam in the ocean for uncountable hours, Landon is still shocked by the incredible temperature of the water. It was almost not refreshing with its 90 degrees and our 85 degree + 90% humidity days. but i'm definitely not complaining. I LOOVE the hot hot heat and the warm ocean water, there's something about salt water that I just cant get enough of..I think I must have been a fish or a mermaid in my other life.
We ride on the boat to stingray city on a daily basis to go feed none other than..well...the stingrays! I was anxious for Landon to interact with them because every ones first reaction is always soo entertaining and hilarious. People aren't used to these weird/cool looking things that are slimy and soft and all up in your business. I guess thats the most surprising part, that they literally press up against your body once you get in the water because they are too friendly and just want some dang food! So, we gave them food and after the first day Landon was already pretty used to them. He wasn't being totally aggressive or anything but he would welcome them with open arms. haha. They are really just like dogs but live in the water and are a lot softer..mm I just love it.
The ocean water is also very clear and there is some amazing snorkeling. Landon thought it was a pretty sweet gig. Snorkeling on the reef with colorful fish and coral. Its like being in a real life Finding Nemo movie. And then there's the eel that after too many years of tour guides feeding the guy, he got really aggressive which caused the tour guides to stop feeding him for safety purposes. He still sticks around in the reef rocks so whenever we find him its always a good time because he just slithers his way out of that rock and freaks people out. Landon swam back a few feet once he saw him, he said he was not expecting that at all. it was funny. The eel is a pretty fish but very intimidating with his very long, sleek green body and sharp teeth. Thank heavens none of us have ever been bitten but I guess thats why we still hunt him down whenever we are there..
Each night while the sun is setting we would board the boat and head out to watch the sun set with slight hopes of seeing *the green flash* which we have yet to see but maybe someday.. the sunsets in Cayman are gorgeous and never disappointing. Landon and Kelsey would fish while we just bobbed in the water.
a few other highlights from this trip: the massive rain falls that would happen in the afternoons,The rainstorms in Cayman are ridiculous so I was really happy for Landon to experience them. My brothers iphone case can go under water so we took full advantage. my sis and I had an underwater photo shoot and did a little bit of recording, olympics style. it was pretty fun! The ice cream man came by, of course we couldnt pass that up!
all in all this trip was SO great. Landon said he would go back in a split second, I was relieved that he loves it there (almost) as much as I do. He loved our little Kailypso ocean side home, playing horseshoes and beach volleyball every evening, swimming, night time card games, the water and all things Cayman.. and I am one happy gal. I am so happy that I got to take my husband, the love of my life, to Cayman and to have such a great trip with my whole family.
Each of the homes on the island has a name and a color, any color you could ever imagine. Our home is named Kailypso and it is light blue. This year I got to introduce Landon to this dreamy place that I love so much. I cannot tell you how excited I was for him to experience what I have for so many years. I hold this place so close to my heart, I know that sounds totally lame but I really have so much passion for this little island and for our cute little house. It gives me the goosebumps just talking about it! I wish for each and every person to be able to go spend some bit of time in this perfect place.
Now that our family is complete, meaning we are all married, we were able to go to Cayman as a whole. Each person in my family + their spouses + children were able to go except 2. On July 31st we were off for the most perfect 10 day vacation.
We got there in the middle of the day, so naturally I didn't hesitate to show Landon around, but couldn't wait until we had spent a full day there so he could really see what I'm always talking about. That next day we did what we do each and every day; eat breakfast, lounge around, swim, make lunch, go out on the boat, stingray city, snorkel, lounge/play some sand volleyball, eat dinner, play games and on this trip particularly..watched the olympics. Now, that may sound like a lot of stuff and not a whole lot of relaxing but seriously it is such a trip that will recharge you in many positive ways.
We do the same things every single day but maybe add a little bike riding, visits to rum point and kaibo, the pig farm and going to see the mango lady. All things that are a must on our side of the island but not every day sort of things.
We swam in the ocean for uncountable hours, Landon is still shocked by the incredible temperature of the water. It was almost not refreshing with its 90 degrees and our 85 degree + 90% humidity days. but i'm definitely not complaining. I LOOVE the hot hot heat and the warm ocean water, there's something about salt water that I just cant get enough of..I think I must have been a fish or a mermaid in my other life.
We ride on the boat to stingray city on a daily basis to go feed none other than..well...the stingrays! I was anxious for Landon to interact with them because every ones first reaction is always soo entertaining and hilarious. People aren't used to these weird/cool looking things that are slimy and soft and all up in your business. I guess thats the most surprising part, that they literally press up against your body once you get in the water because they are too friendly and just want some dang food! So, we gave them food and after the first day Landon was already pretty used to them. He wasn't being totally aggressive or anything but he would welcome them with open arms. haha. They are really just like dogs but live in the water and are a lot softer..mm I just love it.
The ocean water is also very clear and there is some amazing snorkeling. Landon thought it was a pretty sweet gig. Snorkeling on the reef with colorful fish and coral. Its like being in a real life Finding Nemo movie. And then there's the eel that after too many years of tour guides feeding the guy, he got really aggressive which caused the tour guides to stop feeding him for safety purposes. He still sticks around in the reef rocks so whenever we find him its always a good time because he just slithers his way out of that rock and freaks people out. Landon swam back a few feet once he saw him, he said he was not expecting that at all. it was funny. The eel is a pretty fish but very intimidating with his very long, sleek green body and sharp teeth. Thank heavens none of us have ever been bitten but I guess thats why we still hunt him down whenever we are there..
Each night while the sun is setting we would board the boat and head out to watch the sun set with slight hopes of seeing *the green flash* which we have yet to see but maybe someday.. the sunsets in Cayman are gorgeous and never disappointing. Landon and Kelsey would fish while we just bobbed in the water.
a few other highlights from this trip: the massive rain falls that would happen in the afternoons,The rainstorms in Cayman are ridiculous so I was really happy for Landon to experience them. My brothers iphone case can go under water so we took full advantage. my sis and I had an underwater photo shoot and did a little bit of recording, olympics style. it was pretty fun! The ice cream man came by, of course we couldnt pass that up!
all in all this trip was SO great. Landon said he would go back in a split second, I was relieved that he loves it there (almost) as much as I do. He loved our little Kailypso ocean side home, playing horseshoes and beach volleyball every evening, swimming, night time card games, the water and all things Cayman.. and I am one happy gal. I am so happy that I got to take my husband, the love of my life, to Cayman and to have such a great trip with my whole family.
 | ||||
| cayman's incredible sunsets. |
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| my #1 pet of choice. |
 |
 | |
| ophelia's eyes are cracking me up |
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| why cant i spin this picture! grr. |
 |
| itty bitty pumpkin ice cream cones. some of the best ice-cream i've ever tasted! |
 |
| too bad its hard to see the rain, its unreal. |
Monday, 30 July 2012
one month & happy 24th!
Another week has come and gone and boy is time flying by. People had always told me that once you get married time flies but now that I'm actually living it, I totally believe it. We had a pretty fun week with getting quite a bit done, the 24th of July and our 'one month anniversary'.
For the 24th my family went boating. It was my first time boating this whole season due to wedding plans and work. It felt too good to be out there, I just love it so much. It ended up being a pretty windy day, too windy to actually drive around the lake, even a boat capsized because the waves were pretty wild. So along with many other boats, we anchored in the arena and just bobbed. well, people watched and bobbed. It might sound boring to some people but with my family, as long as we are on a boat we are happy. The next day Landon had a work party with the bank. It was at Castle Park here in Orem and they had all sorts of delicious treats and some incredible fireworks. I'm talking the huge, Is my face going to get sizzled by these massive ashes, kind of fireworks. It was pretty awesome and an overall great time.
On Saturday Landon and I both had to work until the afternoon so we went on with our day as usual. At work I looked and the date and WOW! it was one month from that day that we had gotten married. I couldnt believe it. Because I'm a little bit crazy when it comes to special dates, we did a wee bit of celebrating. We ate at Cubby's for our first time and man was I totally satisfied. I actually really loved it, including the fun atmosphere. Landon didnt love his sandwich too much but he did enjoy the french fries so maybe that made up for it. I would highly recommend.
Overall we got a lot done. My oldest brother and his wife just moved back from living in Colorado for 3 years. While they decide what their plans on house hunting are, they are living at my parents house. Because of this, I was forced ;) to move every teeny tiny little thing out of my bedroom at home. I was definitely not planning on taking everything out of there so now our little apartment is stuffed full of boxes. All of which is my stuff. Its going to take a really long time for me to go through and sort them out especially because I dont know how I'm going to decorate my apartment, and also because I have separation anxiety. haha. I love home decor so much that I have quite the load of it. On the plus side, we did start and almost finish our faux fireplace. It looks pretty dang good if i do say so myself. I am totally pleased and cant wait to get our TV mounted on the wall so that I can get the living room all decorated and feeling like home!
Landon made me breakfast in bed this week, isnt he the best? yeah, I think so. We did have a silly argument about what side of the bed we get to sleep on. I like the right, he likes the right. so every night we have to figure out who gets to sleep on the right. its quite the dual we have going on. All I have left to say is that we better figure out what we are going to do about it soon. oh and that I think I deserve it more than him, being the lady in the house and all.. and lastly, We went on a drive last night to enjoy the incredible nights we've been having here. There was a stunning sunset that I couldn't help but take a picture of, such a good way to end our week and a beautiful way to start a new one.
For the 24th my family went boating. It was my first time boating this whole season due to wedding plans and work. It felt too good to be out there, I just love it so much. It ended up being a pretty windy day, too windy to actually drive around the lake, even a boat capsized because the waves were pretty wild. So along with many other boats, we anchored in the arena and just bobbed. well, people watched and bobbed. It might sound boring to some people but with my family, as long as we are on a boat we are happy. The next day Landon had a work party with the bank. It was at Castle Park here in Orem and they had all sorts of delicious treats and some incredible fireworks. I'm talking the huge, Is my face going to get sizzled by these massive ashes, kind of fireworks. It was pretty awesome and an overall great time.
On Saturday Landon and I both had to work until the afternoon so we went on with our day as usual. At work I looked and the date and WOW! it was one month from that day that we had gotten married. I couldnt believe it. Because I'm a little bit crazy when it comes to special dates, we did a wee bit of celebrating. We ate at Cubby's for our first time and man was I totally satisfied. I actually really loved it, including the fun atmosphere. Landon didnt love his sandwich too much but he did enjoy the french fries so maybe that made up for it. I would highly recommend.
Overall we got a lot done. My oldest brother and his wife just moved back from living in Colorado for 3 years. While they decide what their plans on house hunting are, they are living at my parents house. Because of this, I was forced ;) to move every teeny tiny little thing out of my bedroom at home. I was definitely not planning on taking everything out of there so now our little apartment is stuffed full of boxes. All of which is my stuff. Its going to take a really long time for me to go through and sort them out especially because I dont know how I'm going to decorate my apartment, and also because I have separation anxiety. haha. I love home decor so much that I have quite the load of it. On the plus side, we did start and almost finish our faux fireplace. It looks pretty dang good if i do say so myself. I am totally pleased and cant wait to get our TV mounted on the wall so that I can get the living room all decorated and feeling like home!
Landon made me breakfast in bed this week, isnt he the best? yeah, I think so. We did have a silly argument about what side of the bed we get to sleep on. I like the right, he likes the right. so every night we have to figure out who gets to sleep on the right. its quite the dual we have going on. All I have left to say is that we better figure out what we are going to do about it soon. oh and that I think I deserve it more than him, being the lady in the house and all.. and lastly, We went on a drive last night to enjoy the incredible nights we've been having here. There was a stunning sunset that I couldn't help but take a picture of, such a good way to end our week and a beautiful way to start a new one.
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