D: Dream Homes

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Soddy I've been such a bad blogger. I blame school. Or life. Or whatever. So anyways, here is another D for you!

I love dreaming about what my home will look like when I grow up {meaning, when I'm all done with college and I have a family}. I love the idea of a cozy little place in a small town, or a lovely flat in New York City, but mostly I want a great, sprawling, Victorian home {not unlike Laura's}. You know, one with a wrap around porch, an attic and a basement and 2-3 stories. One with secret passages behind bookshelves and wardrobes, and a place where the sea is close enough to hear at night when it is quiet {like in The Orphanage!} Multiple fireplaces are a must, as well as a huge backyard with a creek and trees and secret gardens.

Too much to ask? Maybe. Not that I care.

Here are some good images to get the imagination rolling about how my home is going to look someday.

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And did I mention windows? Lots and lots of windows.


Post Edit:
Bliss featured some pictures that are also very inspiring and pretty much sum up my household desires.

D: Disney

If there's anything that does it for me, it's Disney. They are brilliant! I get chills every time I watch Ariel sing her reprise on the rock. I cry my eyes out every time John Smith goes back to England and leaves Pocahontas. I laugh hysterically every time Jane says, "And, Daddy, he took my boot!" (I can imitate her quite well.) Every word that comes out of Meg's mouth is witty and funny. And I would marry the Beast for that library (and he happens to be my favorite prince. Yes, even with his long-ish hair. I think it is the magical transformation and the light that shoots out of his fingers and toes that makes me love him so much.) I have the Finding Nemo soundtrack and can play it on the piano. It reminded me that I need to go to the Great Barrier Reef.

Ahhh Disney. And here they are, about to do it again.

The Princess & the Frog


Rapunzel

The Bear & the Bow

(For which Google has no image.)

So get ready. Here they go again.

D: Dinosaur

You will never get angry at your computer again when it's being slow if you change your cursor to the dinosaur. When it starts working, he starts walking. His little legs and hands move. I am possibly guilty of small roaring noises and intimidating stalking of all my pictures. And it was good.



How to:

Control Panel>
Mouse>
pointers>
change your scheme to dinosaur>
be happy. Roaring is appropriate.

C: Colour Palette

Do you have a beautiful painting or inspiration that you would like to build a room around? Welcome to the Colour Lover series on PuglyFeet. Do you find this as brilliant as I do?









ps She also does wallpaper!!!

Interruption of the A-Z Series

Remember this picture?

I can't help it. This is for reals and the funniest thing.

A Craigslist ad:

"I'm looking for a cute girl to make out with. I'd prefer it to be on a somewhat regular basis, but a one time thing is fine too. I'm not looking for a dating relationship (though if it turns into that, that's cool), just friends who happen to enjoy making out with each other. This is the sort of thing that would end if the other starts dating somebody else, no hurt feelings. LDS standards do apply. I'd prefer someone who goes to BYU, but that is by no means a requirement. Put what state you're from in the subject line so that I know you're real."

Think I'm kidding?

http://provo.craigslist.org/m4w/1368169177.html

C: Clouds

Tiffany loves clouds as much as I love the ocean, so I am indulging her with some awesome photos while I try to remember the amazingness I had planned for letter D. Curses. I knew I should have written it down this morning.







all images courtesy of Ms. Muse

C: Concert

Last night was INCREDIBLE!!!!

We went to Keith Urban's concert and won amazing tickets from a radio station. Keith is so so good because his song Better Half is the first country song I ever liked. It is the reason that I began to listen to country stations and from there it became an addiction.

Can you tell that we were super excited? Ok, mainly just me and maybe Kenzie a bit. I don't remember why Kim is sad...


Meet my new buddy Kim. (And ignore my fake gang sign.)
And feast your eyes upon the gloriousness that is Keith Urban. I swear, he has it all: Nicole Kidman for a wife, he is incredible sexy, he can sing so well, play the guitar just as good, and he loves what he is doing. Also, he made his concert tickets cheaper because of our strapped economy and he was so grateful that we were all there.

But the best part? He goes out into the audience and sings. Translation? He walked by us and we touched him. Ok, a little weird, but very good, nonetheless.



Plus, he has a glow-in-the-dark guitar.
And his band members can SING!!! We were shocked when he introduced us and had them sing for about 30 seconds each. And there was confetti.



ps My bangs don't always look this trashy. It was hot. And my muscles hurt from jumping up and down and clapping. And my voice is dangling on the threshold of invisibility.

B: Book of Mormon

I love the Book of Mormon. Oh so much. If you haven't ever read it, you should. Just because.

I love how Lehi refers to Christ as the Messiah in 2 Nephi when talking to his son Jacob.

"Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy. And the Messiah cometh in the fullness of time, that he may redeem the shildren of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given."

~2 Nephi 2: 25 & 26


I love the 2000 Stripling Warriors.

Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.

And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it.

~Alma 56: 47 & 48

I am waiting for a man like Captain Moroni.

And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery;

Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people.

Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ, and he had sworn with an oath to defend his people, his rights, and his country, and his religion, even to the loss of his blood.

Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.

~Alma 48: 11-13, 17


And I can only dream about the faith of the brother of Jared.

Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. We know that thou art able to show forth great power, which looks small unto the understanding of men.

And it came to pass that when the brother of Jared had said these words, behold, the Lord stretched forth his hand and touched the stones one by one with his finger. And the veil was taken from off the eyes of the brother of Jared, and he saw the finger of the Lord; and it was as the finger of a man, like unto flesh and blood; and the brother of Jared fell down before the Lord, for he was struck with fear.

And the Lord saw that the brother of Jared had fallen to the earth; and the Lord said unto him: Arise, why hast thou fallen?

And he saith unto the Lord: I saw the finger of the Lord, and I feared lest he should smite me; for I knew not that the Lord had flesh and blood.

And the Lord said unto him: Because of thy faith thou hast seen that I shall take upon me flesh and blood; and never has man come before me with such exceeding faith as thou hast; for were it not so ye could not have seen my finger. Sawest thou more than this?

And he answered: Nay; Lord, show thyself unto me.

And the Lord said unto him: Believest thou the words which I shall speak?

And he answered: Yea, Lord, I know that thou speakest the truth, for thou art a God of truth, and canst not lie.

And when he had said these words, behold, the Lord showed himself unto him, and said: Because thou knowest these things ye are redeemed from the fall; therefore ye are brought back into my presence ; therefore I show myself unto you.

~Ether 3: 9-13

Learn more here




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B: Book of the Week

Stardust by Neil Gaiman

Since I already mentioned it, I am going to recommend you the book. I picked it up again last night and remembered why I love it! So good! Have you seen the movie? You will like Victoria more in the book, but Tristran's mother less. Also, the movie was so amazing because Neil Gaiman was a producer. Duh. I have it if you wish to borrow it.

B: Blonde

Tiffany and I were watching Stardust last night {one of my most favorites!} and when Claire Danes came on, I suddenly had the urge to dye my hair blonde. You know the part, when she sits up in her crater and her hair is long and glowing? Time to grow out my bangs. I think I'm going blonde.

A: Average

Heather, thank you for introducing me to My Life is Average.

"Today, I took my sister to a park so she could run her 5K. The guy in charge told the people to feel free to shout something when the starting gun went off (i.e. "Freedom", "Charge" etc.). One boy pumped his fist in the air and shouted, "FOR NARNIA!". It made my Labor Day Weekend. MLIA."


"Last night, I went to bed wearing a sweatshirt and sweatpants. Today, I woke up wearing shorts and a t-shirt, and found my sweats folded on my chair. I'm really confused about what happened. MLIA."

"Today, I was going on a road trip from Texas to Ohio to go to college. There is a town in Illinois called Pocahontas. I stopped to take a picture of the sign. A guy came up next to me with a camera and introduced himself as John Smith. That's it. I can die happy now. MLIA."

"Today, I went on howmanyofme.com and found out that there is 1 person in the United States with the name Albus Dumbledore. I must find this person. MLIA."

"Today, my Psychology teacher was telling us what to do if the school is attacked by aliens or zombies. There's a secret door that leads into the next classroom, and he told us if they ever attack to run through that door because we'll either end up in the next classroom or Narnia, but either way we'd be safe. MLIA"

"Today I was in my room studying for exams. When I came out for a snack, my mum ran up to me and dragged me into the dining room. Turns out I spent the last three hours studying while she built a two story fort using the table. MLIA."

"Today, I found out that it is illegal to dress up as batman in Australia. My heart goes out to you, Australia. MLIA"

"The other day I attended a dress up party. As the Wicked Witch from the Wizard of Oz. When you are painted green, staring at people in the cars next to you at red lights suddenly becomes infintely more entertaining. MLIA"

"Today, I was studying biochemistry when I read about a disease called Edwards' syndrome that causes profound mental retardation and an oddly shaped head. It reminded me of Twilight. MLIA"

"Today, I was talking to my bestfriends younger sister. During a game of 20 Questions I asked her what her 3 weapons would be during a zombie invasion. Her answer was "Jesus, Dumbledore, and Chuck Norris". My best friend doesn't know this, but he's that much closer to being replaced. MLIA"

Ok, I'm done. You just need to go to the website. My Life is Average.

A: Anthropologie

How incredible is Anthropologie? They are pretty much everything I love in style and fashion. I haven't yet seen anything that I don't like. Well, one day I will not be a poor college student and I will be able to shop there. Sigh...

A: Avocado

I love love love avocado. I used to hate it, but one day I discovered its rich goodness. When mom tells you that your taste changes as you get older, she is for reals. I now at avocado on everything: black beans, sandwiches, toast, etc. So here is one of my favorite recipes, from the amazing food blog fresh365. Enjoy.

Mango-Avocado Salad with Black Beans and Lime Vinaigrette

adapted from Whole Foods . serves 4

2 ripe avocados, peeled and cut into 1/2" cubes
3 T lime juice
1 ripe mango, peeled and cut into 1/2" cubes
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
1 t grated lime zest
1/2 t salt
1/4 t sugar (or agave nectar)
2 T chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
4 T olive oil
1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
freshly ground black pepper, to taste


In a medium bowl, toss mango and jalapeño with 1 T lime juice and salt. Add avocado and gently toss to combine. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining lime juice, zest, sugar, cilantro and oil. Toss the black beans with the vinaigrette. To assemble, spoon the black beans with vinaigrette into the center of a serving platter. Top with the mango-avocado mixture. Garnish with chopped cilantro and black pepper.

A-Z Series

Darling Dexter did the brilliant A-Z series and I can't help but borrow her wonderful idea! I can't wait to share some fun stuffs!


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Star Gazing

Last night, Jessica showed us the wonders of going up into the canyon to look at the stars. The moon was bright and you could see the clouds perfectly and the stars not so perfectly, but it was great. Laying in the bed of Jessica's truck with blankets and pillows was SO FUN!!!

My mom says that it is a very Provo thing to do, but I feel good about that.


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I like to ruin pictures. Like, a lot.

Remember that road trip? Well, we went to Tennessee. And maybe I just now looked at some of the pictures. Here are two.

I was tired of pictures at this point.

And this is just the best picture that has ever been taken. My absolute favorite. It sums up me and Aunt Alison quite well, I think.

The end.

The Scary Noise

I love my condo. I love my roommates. I am happy. BUT....


There is a scary noise that happens every once in a while. We have no clue what it is, what is causing it, or where it is coming from. It sounds like an air raid. Like someone is about to drop a bomb on us. And it lasts for about 15 seconds. The last time it happened was yesterday morning around 6:30. Creepy!

What do you think it is?

My communications 101 professor showed us this in my class today. And I couldn't help but laugh. Because it was funny! And I am LDS. So enjoy.

Book{s} of the Week

I have read two books lately. One was good, one was bad. Let's start with the good.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

I cannot thank Miss Amy enough for handing this book to me. It is incredible and I think that women everywhere should read it. It is not only a stimulating and thought provoking read, but it evoked an incredible amount of compassion that I did not know I had, while prompting me to become involved in world affairs. I have an incredible life. I cannot imagine being a woman of Afghanistan in the past 30 years. But this book helped me to perhaps glimpse a tiny bit of the fear and destruction that these people have faced and encourages me to want to do something about it.


The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
What? A story from the viewpoint of Dinah, daughter of Jacob, sister to Joseph? Sounds brilliant, doesn't it? False. I did not like it. Maybe you will, but I won't recommend it. There is something wrong about a book that would portray Joseph of Egypt in the manner that Anita Diamant did. Maybe this is my LDS side coming out, but I don't mind if it is. Joseph is one of my most beloved of Bible characters, and I hate to see him messed with like this. He was a great and incredible man, chosen of God to be a leader. A question I have frequently asked myself is, Am I a Joseph? This is kind of how I get myself back on track. No matter my trials, I know they can't be as bad as my brothers selling me as a slave, going to a new land alone, being falsely accused, and being in prison for years. So am I facing them with the faith and love that Joseph did? Am I still righteous? I hope so. Ok, sometimes I am a grumbler, a Laman or a Lemuel, but I am trying to be a Joseph. And remember how he prophesied of Joseph Smith? And of Moses? And how he was revered by Lehi, so much that he named his son after him? I can't get over how much I love Joseph of Egypt. So this was obviously not a book that I enjoyed. Seriously.

post edit: I forgot to tell you who Joseph Smith was, in case you were curious. Enjoy.

A little bit of white water, but mostly just cold.

Once upon a time, I accompanied my friends who were floating down the Provo river. This is a picture of us before hand.Fun? Yes. Until I fell out at the strongest point we happened to be floating. Which also happened to be five minutes after we got in. And I was tossed and turned all the way down to this rocky area where I held on for dear life until Roy came and rescued me. Who is Roy? Good question. He was in my old ward. That's all I've got. But he picked me up and carried me out like a princess. And my heart was his. The end.

Just kidding. But it was a good moment for me. And even though I didn't get to have as much fun as everyone else {Jeremy tried to get me to go get our raft, but I couldn't even stand up, for goodness sake! Once again, Roy saved the day... But I was too chicken to get back in.}, and I lost my shoes, it was still a good day. And we are going again Saturday.


ps Dennis went with me and discovered that I have amazing friends. Roman Gardens was good to me.

Because Blue Food is Fun Food

Sometimes Tiffany and I get bored. "What's that?", you may say. "You? Bored?" Yes. And that is when we start to do things like this.


The benefits are that no one will ever confuse their milk with yours. The bad part of it all is that the German pancake I made yesterday turned out green. Which does not look very appetizing. I don't know what Dr. Seuss was thinking when he wrote Green Eggs and Ham. I do not like them, Sam I Am.

Hour Long Phone Calls

Dear Momma,

Thank you for talking to me for hours on end each week. Because I miss you. And I enjoy our conversations about birth and breastfeeding and why I need to take Spanish and my American Heritage class. I love how you worry about your children and how you love your calling. I love getting to hear the latest about your little scouts. I love that you have to go because you need to set Tavi on the potty, and how I can hear the noises of our house in the background, and how you never leave any news out. I love you.

Love,
Sister