tifsong.

my great-grandmothers treasures.

2012-02-01T17:27:00.000-07:00

Blind Photographer : Pete Eckert

2012-02-01T12:33:00.000-07:00

| Artists Wanted | In Focus : Pete Eckert from Artists Wanted on Vimeo.

Clock Opera - Once and for All

2012-02-01T12:22:00.001-07:00

this is beautiful.

hitRECord (Sundance Film Festival: Park City)

2012-01-30T16:12:00.000-07:00

joe did a little editing for me here. please excuse the shakey hand. i'm no videographer.

Joe and I had the chance to go to an event at Sundance in Park City this year. It was called hitRECord. It's an open collaborative project with the handsome Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the mastermind behind it all. Basically, it's a website where people can post art of all kinds, giving the rights to the photos up for everyone who is a member, to remix it. To add to it, to take from, to animate, to compile. It is the neatest thing I have ever heard of. The event was sold out -1200 seats! and we all got to witness some of the great pieces that have been created by various different artistic masterminds. plus, we got to see Joseph sing and be cute and stuff.

check out hitRECord.org it's the perfect opportunity to inspire, be inspired, and create. if ANY part of your pieces are used and chosen for final projects, you'll get some of the profit!

ohdeardeer.

2012-01-20T03:58:00.002-07:00

foods 7 & 8.

2012-01-20T01:39:00.000-07:00

No Bake Cookies feat. Nutella.

Alright already. Nutella is a tasty masterpiece standing alone. when I lived in Moscow, I bought and ran out of this stuff a lot, and I was only there for a short time. I came home discouraged about possibly never having it again. There was no need for discouragement, though, you see, Nutella can be purchased at most grocery stores, duh!

here's my recipe. these were soo good (but not good for you? oatmeal is a great source of fiber, no? here's to health!) I made them again the same day we were all out. heh.

2 cups Sugar

4 tbsp Cocoa

1 Stick butter

1/2 cup milk

3/4 cup Nutella

1/4 cup peanut butter

1 tbsp vanilla

3-4 cups oatmeal (depending on how thick you want those cookies.)

2 tbs chocolate syrup. (<-- this is for real, friends.)

in a heavy saucepan bring sugar, cocoa, butter, and milk to a boil. let boil for one minute. (uno momento por favor.) add peanut butter, NUTELLA, vanilla, chocolate syrup, and oatmeal. MIX GOOD and FAST as to not burn any of the goodness. Drop and cool on wax paper. Or if you're cool like me, line your baking pans with tin foil and cool them on that.

CROCKPOT CREAMY CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP. yes please.

this is my very own recipe. my very first very own. and it is so good. after finishing Joe asked me to make it again REAL soon. so i'm not just patting myself on the back here. anyway, it's not as if it's hard to make, so I'm not being too proud. (insert winking face here.)

3 big chicken breasts

1 can chicken broth

1 can cream of chicken soup (I have an excellent gluten free, homemade version of this, i'll post at the bottom of this recipe.)

1 can black beans (drained)

1 can creamed corn (gross, I know, but not in a soup!)

1 cup salsa

1 pack taco seasoning

4 oz cream cheese

1 tbs garlic

1/4 cup chopped onions

put all ingredients into your crockpot. turn it on high if your chicken is frozen (mine was.) and cook it for 6 hours. Make sure to stir every once in awhile to break up the chicken, you want it nice and shredded. serve with FRITOS SCOOPS or Tortilla Chips and top with shredded cheese and sour cream! It is SO good. I'm proud of it.

Gluten Free Cream of Chicken Soup Mix

2 cups dry milk

3/4 cups cornstarch

1/4 cup chicken bouillon

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp thyme

1/2 tsp tarragon

So, when I bought all these ingredients it was a big expense for me. I didn't like how much I was spending when a can is like.. a buck or something. But this mix makes a nice size, that lasts quite a long time. All you do is put 1/3 cup of this into a saucepan with 1 cup water on medium heat, whisk/stir constantly and once it's nice and thick, it's ready! You'll never notice a difference.

xo.

tifbit tuesday.

2012-01-17T23:18:00.003-07:00

I love the feeling of a fresh coat of Burt's Bees Peppermint Chapstick on a blistery winter evening.
Joe and I have been spending a lot of time together. It's the most wonderful thing. I know the semester will get very busy, but right now we're just living it up. We're so happy and so in love.
School is fun so far! I really like my classes. Both are subjects I'm very interested in. Psychology has always been something that has intrigued me and Humanities (specifically the study of Art) <--what could be better? A few things but not many. Art and the Human mind/the human experience is beauty encompassed. Nothing is better.
I think my "stew" post really opened my eyes. I haven't seen a therapist. But I have been very happy this month. Just, so happy.
I went to the doctor yesterday to check out my sick. He prescribed me a few different things but he didn't really tell me what was wrong with me. But I did get weighed and I was not happy with those results. I was actually very unhappy with them. I have gained 25lbs since I've been married. TWENTY FIVE POUNDS. Do you know how much that is? that is 25. sick.
I will FOREVER and always spend MORE money on the better toilet paper. 10ply. heh. I've learned my lesson that cheaper isn't always the best way to go.
I will also always spend more money on the better shampoo & conditioner.
I will also always spend more money on the better Orange Juice.
We've been on a serious Breaking Bad kick lately that and Chick flicks. hah. Quite the combination. I love it. I have worn quite the spot in our couch. Maybe that has something to do with the 25 lbs.. but lets not talk about it.
Joe did our taxes. they're coming back to us soon. This means I get my car back soon, too!
my sister is the best example to me. I love her so very much and I want to be like her in so many ways.
I hope that I'm always the very best person I can be to everyone I know. It is very important to me to know that everyone who is in my life is always treated kindly by me. I don't ever want to be part of the bad spots in someones life. It makes me feel like I'm not doing very well (selfishly...) but it makes me even more sad that I might be worth talking bad about. In all sincerity.

xo.

happy thoughts 4.

2012-01-17T22:24:00.000-07:00

1. My brother is the cutest boy you'll ever meet and he'll love you no matter what.

2. I sent this picture to my sister today with no words. She laughed very hard and then I laughed very hard. It's just a hole in my sock. that is all.

3. I wore my husbands cardigan today.

4. Simply Orange Juice with Pineapple. Heaven with pulp.

5. The cutest backpack ever. BAGGU!

6. Indexing with my YW Group tonight. The best part about indexing is anyone can do it, no matter what faith you are, everyone believes in family history, don't they? This is the perfect start. https://familysearch.org/volunteer/indexing

happy thoughts 3.

2012-01-14T20:17:00.003-07:00

1. this beautiful afghan my mama made us from our wedding colors.
2. shadow puppets before sleeping.
3. scripture study together.

4. Our christmas tree is still alive, but outside. Yay?
5. my messy greasy bun up top. (that you cannot see via this photo.)
6. the awesome puzzle Joe made at work from his McDonalds gift card... don't worry, we all took a shot at it. it was hard! ;)

7. Joey in his awesome Beavis and Butthead tshirt that Kennerboy bought him for Christmas. I'm glad he got one.

8. Blackberry Vanilla Tea. Yum.

Not Pictured BUT happy.

-Linds and Mase came over for a visit tonight, it was real great and made me very happy to visit with them, because I love them.

Not Pictured and NOT happy.

- I cannot seem to shake the cold I've had for the past few weeks. I just keep getting worse! Heaven help me!

mustached men.

2012-01-12T18:13:00.003-07:00

food 6.

2012-01-11T18:48:00.001-07:00

this isn't the best picture, but this is the best meal.

First off, I want you to know I make lots more than just asparagus for my vegetables. I feel like I have to tell you that. It's kind of embarrassing... ;) Now what is this curious looking meal?

Lemon Parmesan Crusted Salmon, Parmesan Roasted Potatoes, and Lemon Parmesan Asparagus.

yum? you bet. first off, heat your oven to 400 degrees.

Lemon-Parmesan Crusted Salmon

Salmon Filets (as many as you are wanting to prepare)

2-3 Slices White bread. (gluten free bread works wonders if you want to make this gluten free.)

1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese

1 tablespoon Lemon Juice

1/2 tsp basil

1/4 tsp salt

2 tablespoons butter/margarine

First, pat the salmon filets down pretty good with a paper towel, so they're not wet- at all. Place them skin side down on a cookie sheet that is sprayed with pam. Second, melt butter in a big bowl, mix all other ingredients with melted butter. Break the bread up before mixing it in. Third, pat mix on top of filets. Set it aside while you're preparing your potatoes.

Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

4 Medium sized potatoes or 6 Small Red Russet potatoes (my choice.) Scrubbed and washed, skins on.
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp paprika
salt and pepper.

Dice potatoes. In a large bowl toss potatoes with ingredients until nicely coated. Spread potatoes on a cookie sheet sprayed with pam.

*You can bake both cookie sheets with Salmon and Potatoes at the same time at 30 minutes at 400 degrees. Be sure to use a fork to stir the potatoes every 10 minutes or so, so they bake evenly.

while your potatoes are baking,

Lemon Parmesan Asparagus

A bunch of asparagus
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon lemon juice
salt and pepper.

Chop asparagus and get rid of the nasty bottoms. Boil a good sized saucepan of water. Once the water is boiling put in asparagus, boil it for 3 MINUTES. Add all of that other stuff. Mix it up.

Ready set eat.
It's delicious.

happy thoughts 2.

2012-01-11T18:18:00.000-07:00

A few happy things.

-I finished watching all of Bones on Netflix. This is sad for me but happy for Joe. He'll say I'm back to reality now.

-The Shins – Simple Song : The Shins are releasing a new album. This is great great news and this song is incredible.

- I have a wonderful husband who loves me, all of the time.

- I started my second semester at school yesterday. I'm taking Psychology and Humanities through the Arts. Both classes should be wonderful, except my Humanities teacher is a Chinese man who speaks very harsh English in a very strong British accent. Truth. I am trying to make that a funny positive. I don't know if I'll be okay in the class, but I'm hopeful.

- We got tickets to the one and only showing of HitRECOrd at the Sundance Film Festival. I'd say this is pretty happy making.

- I got to make lunch and dinner for friends on Sunday. I think that is a pretty happy thing. I love to cook and I love friends. speaking of food, I have a really good recipe I'm going to share with you.

- My mother in law sent me this talk on a day I really needed it. I think she was inspired to do so.

- this ridiculous photo booth picture makes me happy.

- thanks for being there for me friends.

happy thoughts 1.

2012-01-06T23:58:00.001-07:00

It'd be a lot like me to delete my last post.
but I'm not going to. thank you to the few, along with your advice (sound sound advice) and the thoughts already brewing on how I should no longer stew (which happen to be very much the same as what you shared) i'll see someone soon. next week soon. thank you. and I'll go on walks. Walks around the beautiful little city in which I live. I'm also going to do this.

I am going to note at least five things that make me happy every day and if I feel like it, I'll post them to my blog. This one in particular is going to have more than five and pictures, too.

- The Weepies. I've been on a little kick listening to these guys for the past couple of days. They fill my heart with romance and magic
.

- Panoxyl. I've tried pretty much every kind of face wash extreme. Proactiv (a few different times), SkinID, AcneFree, Aveeno, Home Remedies, Clearasil, etc. I've never been able to find something that just doesn't cause more acne. This, my friends, Panoxyl. Is a miracle. I bought it at Walgreens after consulting a Pharmacist, it is 10% peroxide and it is the best stuff you can get with out a prescription. I have used it 4 times and my face has cleared up considerably. You wouldn't notice. But I have.

- Joe. always Joe. He does all that he can to fill my heart with joy. He always succeeds. Sometimes he is all the good I am able to see. Which is romantic and all, but not always the best. Because there is good everywhere, isn't there?

- Joe took me on a date tonight. That made me happy. We ate at Iggy's and went to see Hugo. It was beautiful. After that we walked through an outdoor mall, still strung with Christmas lights. This all made me very happy.

- I have new boots. And they are cool. Joe's mom and I went shopping while I was in St.G for the holidays, she convinced me to buy them. I like that she did that.

- When I don't carry a backpack, I carry my grandmothers purse. It is a fantastic purse. It has a lot of character and it makes me feel close to her. I get a lot of compliments on it and I love that I get to respond with "thank you, it was my grandmothers."

- I have painted nails. Currently Purple with little orange surprises on a couple fingers. Usually I paint my nails and as soon as I see any sort of chip I peel it all off with my teeth. I've successfully left my polish on for three days now. That makes me happy.
-Joe and I stopped by our friend Lucas and Kenner's place after dinner tonight, Joe left with Kenner and our friend Dan for a short trip to pick up food for them. I got to hang out with Lucas for a minute. That made me happy and it made me happy to see all of those guys.

I let today be a good day. Maybe that is all it takes. Today it was, anyway.

stew. but not the kind you eat.

2012-01-05T23:53:00.001-07:00

I've been stewing a lot about a couple of things lately and maybe, perhaps, they are one in the same.

I remember when I was an almost teen, my sister had a really close friend, I don't know exact details or anything but suddenly they weren't friends anymore due to that friends request. I don't think she'll be too upset with me relating just that small and simple thing.

The reason I bring this up is because I've been thinking a lot about what I've been like lately. I've talked about how negative I've been and how I aim to be better constantly.

Straight fact- something just isn't right with me. I think I'm depressed and I really need to see someone about it, or maybe just talk to God more.

I think I'm gradually loosing some of my most important friendships because I am negative. Truthfully this is all assumptive. I don't even realize I'm negative until it's already happened. If it's not my negativity that is moving people away, I'm not sure what it is. The only other thing that has changed is marriage. And I'm still just as close to all of my guy friends, so I don't think it's because I've changed much through marriage. But I would like to say, I'm never negative about anyone or anything, I'm always just negative about myself. Low self esteem?

Conclusion:
It's probably because I'm negative.
I suppose this type of negativity could translate well into depression.

I'm really really trying to work on it. I promise with all of my heart that I am.

I believe that friendships can last forever, and they can be constant. The kind of thing where if you don't see someone for a month or two, and get back with them, you start where you left off. Or the kind of thing where you talk to your friends about your life on a regular basis, so no surprises come up. I also believe whole heartedly that people change, grow, and become different. I don't think that should ever result in loosing a friend, unless of course that friend is a horrible person as per "becoming different."

the other stew:

I miss my friendships and I love my friends. I just want everyone to know that, I guess. I just want everything to be okay and I want everyone to know that I am here.

2011- that's a wrap.

2012-01-02T21:34:00.000-07:00

January

We went to our good friends wedding in St. George a few days after we got engaged!
I started quite ridiculously planning our wedding and becoming a bridezilla right at the start.
I found my wedding dress.

February

We visited the Ice Castle in Heber, UT
Little Avrie girl was born.
My mama took our engagements in Las Vegas, NV
We celebrated Valentines Day at PF CHANGS.
Jessica Schaack took our bridals.

March

We spent some time in St. George planning our wedding and spending time with our families. I took this picture in March. So.. it works.

April

My leetle sister left for her mission. She's not really my sister but she might as well be.
We celebrated 1 more month until our wedding.
I moved into our home.
I had a bridal shower or two! or three!

May

I received my endowments at the St. George LDS Temple.
We had family photos with Joe's family.
Joe and I were married on May 13th for time and all eternity. Forever. Happiest and best day of my life.
We had the perfect wedding and reception. Randi Gardner took our photos for part of the day and Andi Watkins took our reception shots.
Joe and I went to Park City for our moon.

June

Joe and I adjusted a little more to living together.
We visited St. George, stopped by the Petting Zoo in Scipio. Met a zebra. Hung out with Whit & Chase while there.
I photographed people.
I started to wear more makeup then I probably should.
I learned that I like to cook/bake.
Joe and I visited the temple every week.

July

Joe and I went to Seattle, Walla Walla, Leavenworth! We celebrated the 4th of July there!
We also saw Rush at The Gorge.
We went to the twilight concert series.
Whit and I joined forces and photographed the great Alex & Alex duo!

August

Joe had his 23rd birthday! I took him to Lagoon for it.
We saw Death Cab for Cutie in concert.
I enrolled in college. UVU. baby.

September

My best friend got married! ON MY BIRTHDAY!
joe took me on a shopping spree for my birthday. It was wonderful.

October

We threw my mama a surprise 50th birthday party!
We cheered Joe's bro and sister in law on during the St.G Marathon!
I photographed a lot.
I got a calling to serve in the Young Women's.
Joe got a calling to teach sunday school!

November

We had 2 thanksgiving dinners on the same day! Talk about having a heart of gratitude!
We got to see my Uncle Roger! He drove all the way from Tennessee to visit us in St. George.
I took a lot of photos for a lot of people.

December

We traveled south for our friends Chris and Jenni's wedding. Whit and I got to be their photographer.
We came back home to work.
We went back down to celebrate Christmas! Merry Christmas guys, I forgot to tell you that.
After Christmas and all of the greatness we went to Disneyland!
Joe played in a wedding in S. Pasadena!
We had 8 days off of work! It was bliss.

Now we're back to life.

Hello 2012.

I appreciate you reading all of this. I would've suggested you just look at the pictures. The year got pretty dull after we got married. Perhaps just May was the highlight of our year. We did get to go to Seattle and Park City and California this year though! Okay okay so it was good! It was a real good year and I'm so glad it happened! I cannot believe it's already 2012! Do you remember how last year I resolved not to make any resolutions? Joe and I made GOALS for this coming year. Want to know what they are?

I am telling the blogging world because MAYBE it will hold me more responsible.

~~New Years Resolutions~~ GOALS

- Read Scriptures every night together (BoM)

-(Individually as well)

-FHE Every week (preferably on Monday)

-Temple - at least once a month

- Gym - at least 3x per week

- NO SODA - except at restaurants

- Eat a lot more fruit and vegetables

- Lose Weight (we've both gained marriage weight. we just want to be healthy.)

-Save part of every pay check

- FIND NEW JOBS!!!

I feel these are all great and totally achievable goals. But I must tell you a secret. Today we went grocery shopping and bought LOTS of fruits and vegetables, and to reward ourselves we shared an entire $5 Pizza. and had soda. I guess it's all starting tomorrow. I did go to the gym after eating that pizza though. I am waiting for my gluten intolerance to act up, now. It hasn't yet....

enough enough.

I'll try and do my best and better at blogging.

and HAPPY NEW YEAR, bloggypals.

red ryder.

2011-12-21T23:51:00.002-07:00

(Ralph was the first hipster.)

christmastime is here

bring on the cheer

and the movies

that we only watch once a year.

A Christmas Story.

our very own traditions begin!

wedding.

2011-12-19T22:50:00.003-07:00

Today Joe and I had the opportunity to attend a very good friends wedding. Weddings are a really special event, of course, and since we've been married I haven't had the chance to attend TOO many, but with the few, I've had the wonderful opportunity to reflect on what a true blessing and beautiful thing marriage really is.

I think far too often we get caught up in all of the small things. All of the unimportant things. The possessions. The activities we can't afford. I think sometimes I fail to just appreciate that Joe and I have each other, and although we're poorer sometimes than I can stand, we have a love that is so rich and so strong. Lately, I haven't been the best wife. I find fault in everything and as my family would call me I'm a "Nancy." i.e. Negative. With a mix of hormones, anxieties, and stresses of everyday life, I've found it really hard to see any good. Which used to be quite unusual for me...

It took until just as we were driving home from our friends house after the reception, to feel a complete and utter satisfaction surge through me. I pray it lasts a little while.

My husband is a truly wonderful man. Although I find fault in every single thing lately, there really isn't any fault with him. He's pleasant, kind, and never ever intentionally does wrong. AND I get to be with him forever. This is the most meaningful and powerful and rich thing I could possibly have. Whenever I go out and about with Joe I feel so proud and grateful to have his hand in mine. To know that if anyone finds out he's a Hafen, he's deemed good immediately, and he lives up to the name. I love that when I have a moment alone with Joe's mom she almost always says "he's a good boy." I love that he's kind to everyone, hugs everyone at full force, and has a billion different ways to laugh and I love that no matter how awful I am to him he tries his best to make me smile.

Weddings are a good thing to attend once you're married. They reaffirm and reestablish the wonderful excitement you have the day of your very own wedding! Even if I'm not very good at showing it lately. I surely am grateful to be a married woman and to be married to the best man in the world.

lovelovelovelovelove.

zombies. sleep text? and the job i didn't get.

2011-12-12T21:50:00.004-07:00

The last 24 hours have been worthy of setting a moment aside to mention.

Zombies.

Last night I went to bed without my husband. He tends to stay up late doing homework and I'm too much of a wuss to join him. I went to bed around 12:20am. I did the best I could to stay up. After showering, addressing to my new found love of "sock curls", saying our prayers together, and snuggling up to Joe's pillows, I fell snuggly to sleep. I feel like almost immediately I started to dream. I dreamed for the very first time about a Zombie Apocalypse. I've never ever been one of those people fascinated by Zombies, never really cared much for that trend, or what have you. So this dream was very unwelcome, and it felt very real. The thing about this Zombie Apocalypse is that it wasn't the usual dream. Everyone was still alive and/or in the process of being killed and/or killing. The zombies were government induced. They leaked a virus and gradually everyone was becoming a zombie. The city was a nightmare, set in a very modern time, everyone was trying to escape. As to not catch the virus... this was where I was at in my dream when I was suddenly awoken by an onslaught of hysterical laughter.

Sleep Text?

Joe came into our bedroom around 1:40am. He was laughing so much. Telling me I had texted him. I could not comprehend what was going on. So I looked at my phone. Sure enough. 1:39am. Text to Joe. All it said was "She said" seriously. (I made up a story about how I was checking my alarm. Except I have no recollection of doing any such thing, I was sleeping and intensely dreaming of zombies.)

She said

WHO SAID TIF? WHAT DID SHE SAY? WHY ARE YOU TEXTING YOUR HUSBAND AT 1:39 IN THE MORNING? WHAT IF YOU'VE SLEPT TEXT OTHER PEOPLE? I still, very simply, cannot wrap my mind around it.

The Job I didn't Get.

Lastly, I applied for a job and was interviewed for the job today. Kind of. Basically, I look for jobs on a constant basis and apply for dozens of them on that same constant basis. I finally sound something fitting that I was absolutely qualified for. A receptionist position at a car dealership. WALAH. 4 years experience! So I emailed my resume as soon as I found the job. Two days later (today), I had an interview. Basically it went something like this.

"Hi, I'm Tiffani your 2:15"

"Hello."

"Would you like me to fill out a formal application?"

"No, I have your resume, that is all I need."

"Ok."

"So you've been a receptionist before, down at Stephen Wade?"

"Yes. I have 4 years experience."

"Ok. Well. I'll let you know in the next couple of days."

"Uh... ok...."

The End.

I didn't get the job. If you were wondering. (the boss man emailed me and told me they hired someone who had previously worked for them.) That interview was probably more strange than Zombies and Sleep Texting combined. Generally in an interview one gets to sell herself a little, you know? Up talk. Talk up.

What a day.
Some pluses to this day are : I'm finished with school for the semester. I have a McDonalds Coca Cola sitting next to me that I am sipping ever so slightly as to make it last a very long time. I have also eaten fruity pebbles for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

short thoughts.

2011-12-04T22:27:00.004-07:00

I really really need to finish my homework. I have been very good at getting around it ALL weekend. So I might as well be very good at it, even still. My least favorite part about the weekend is the last couple hours on Sunday. When I know I'll go to bed and wake up to get ready for work.

I have never disliked a place so much.

But I am not going to get into that. I actually refuse to, because, in the coming weeks, I vow to be happy. This is a hard task for me lately. So this is a good vow, my friends.

My home is warm with Christmas decor, freshly made cookies, Christmas music. Heater Heat. Joe is at band practice, getting ready for battle of the bands. Tomorrow. Ha. It's funny because not really any of them want to play in it, but they still are. I'm sure they'll do just great. This particular music scene is a lot different then the ones they usually play, so we'll see how it goes. Anyway.

My heart is full today. It's always full but I most often feel the slightest pang of "my life is stressful, i'm unhappy, i have no friends." But today none of that really matters. Because I know it's not true. It's just a thing called mental instability. Yes, it's a real thing.

I haven't mentioned my Thanksgiving break, I haven't really mentioned anything lately. Except for food. (Food puts me on this cloud that I've never been on. Not the eating part. The cooking part. It lets me think of other things. It's like showering for me. Therapeutic. Except it doesn't make me clean like showers do.) I just want you all to know I had a delightful Thanksgiving. Both Joe and I did. We spent lots of time with both of our families and we even got to see Mannheim Steamroller in Las Vegas. It put us in the perfect Christmas mood.

I love Christmas time. I love Thanksgiving time. I love these last two months of the year so much. They seem to melt together and disappear very fast. But I love them even still. I love them even more this year, than I ever have. I have Joe, I have TWO glorious families to share all of this with.

I love where I am in my life, in this little tiny apartment in this little tiny city. I love love love my calling with the Young Women. Not only do I love the ladies I get to spend time with each Sunday and Tuesday, I am constantly thinking about the little ladies that are changing my life, every single time they open their hearts to me. I always wondered how it was possible that the leaders in my life could say that they loved me. They didn't really even know me. But now I understand. It's like God opens this door in your heart that you didn't know existed, and puts each of these special people in it. Closes the door. And leaves you to it. It's beautiful.

Everything is beautiful. I haven't been able to grasp that in a long time. But today, right now, I can. So I'm sharing it with you.

Joy.

food 5.

2011-12-02T21:03:00.002-07:00

BBQ Maple Glazed Salmon/Garlic Buttered Rice/Brown Sugar & Maple Asparagus

Now this here was a good meal. you'll find I have a love for asparagus, it's fun to find new ways to cook it.

Salmon

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Glaze
2 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp bbq sauce

1 tsp Dijon mustard
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper

In a small container, combine all the ingredients, stir well, make sure it's mixed evenly.

Place salmon, skin side down, on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Dribble drabble the glaze over the salmon.

Bake for 18 Minutes. Or until Flaked. Check it once in awhile.

Garlic Buttered Rice

1/3 C Butter

1/2 C Rice (not minute rice, it needs to be just regular white or jasmin)

3 tsp Chicken Bullion Granules (if you have cubes, 1-2)

1 1/2 C Water

2 tsp Garlic (chopped or minced)

Melt butter in skillet over medium-high heat, add rice and stir. Add bullion. Stir. Make sure the rice doesn't start browning. We don't want that. Add water and stir. Put a lid on and bring it a boil. Boil for 10 Minutes or so. Until rice is tender and most of the butter water is gone (absorbed). Add garlic and stir. Put the lid back on and leave it for 5 minutes. Stir well and turn your burner guy off, leave the skillet sitting on burner until ready to serve! Yum!

Maple Asparagus

Heat oven to 375 degrees.
Put Asparagus on cookie sheet, lightly sprayed with Pam first.
Lightly coat MAPLE SYRUP
Add as much Brown Sugar as you want.

Bake 9 Minutes

walah.

xo.

tifbit, you bet.

2011-11-16T22:59:00.005-07:00

here goes for another, more calmed down round. (sorry if you read my most recent quickly deleted post.)

- I have this thing about having perfectly tucked sheets on my bed when I fall asleep. Joe has this thing about going all European on us and making sure the sheets aren't even on the bed by the morning time. It makes for a half tucked half untucked disaster area. Let's just say, I made my bed practically every day growing up, and while I was on my own, and I somehow have lost the desire to win that fight. I think if Joe could choose, he'd just have a fitted sheet and a top comforter/blanket. But he can't be the master decider on the matter, so we have- a fitted sheet, a top sheet, a blanket, a comforter, an afghan, and sometimes a big comfy blanket on top of that. (I want to end up covered, SOMEHOW! :) )

- Doing laundry is my very least favorite thing to do out of the usual household chores. I am fine putting the clothes in the washer and taking the clothes out of the dryer, (and the in-between that I could've totally mentioned in less words than this parenthetical statement...) I am even happy to lay them out nice and ready to be hung. It's the hanging part that gets me. I'm just going to take them straight off the hanger probably within the week! So, generally, you'll find a stack of very nice and very clean laundry, ready to be hung, hanging out on either a bed, or a chair, maybe even the floor, when I've moved it from the bed... Don't ask me to make sense of it.

- Joe set up his fantastically large Casio Keyboard, and it still hasn't been played. I want to take piano lessons? I am not musically inclined in the slightest, but I sure would love to be. Perhaps. Maybe? It's still a question. Free lessons would be good, pysche, don't you dare give your talents away for free! I'll just watch Youtube.

- Photography. I'm getting a B in my class! Shoot. (shoot, get it, that's photography talk) It's all the mystery of the Eye of the Beholder. Isn't it a funny thing?

- I also learned I'm getting a B in my English class. I guess it's easy to say I'm only slightly above average in the two skills I thought I had a knack for. I'm taking on Psychology and Humanities next semester maybe I'll be better at that. But let's not talk about school. mmk.

- I dislike the phrase/saying "If you could do it, I could do it/If you can do it, I can do it." ESPECIALLY when it comes down to the "it" being a talent. I think it's quite demeaning in that sense and I feel like it's not much of a compliment to be told that.

- I found out today, that if you order something neat from the Internet and you think maybe perhaps no one else will have it, you're thinking wrong. Someone totally has it! And is ROCKING it. Even if you happen to over hear her conversation with a friend and she doesn't seem to think you're rocking it too! :)

- I should be more thankful. Once upon a time, I was thankful 50 times, once a week! Whatever happened? I cannot even begin to tell you what.

- Are you guys aware that I haven't been blogging very much of this in-depth stuff I wanted to blog about? and IF I have blogged it, I've published it for an hour and then deleted it? I'm so afraid of the way people will take what I'm saying and twist it and turn it and decipher it in a way that they think they understand. I don't think anyone really actually understands anyone. We all just try our darndest, to! I think that's totally okay. I think we can understand a lot about some things and think that because we understand those things we understand everything else. I don't think that's the case. How many times have I emphasized how different we all are? Well I believe it. I truly do. Our differences are what makes you and me, and the TRYING to understand is what makes you and me the "us" part.

- I miss my friends. I miss the ones I never see. I miss some of them that I haven't got a thing to relate to and haven't had that thing for years. I miss the ones I used to hardly ever see but talked to a lot. I miss the ones I haven't had time for. I miss the ones I have had time for. I just miss my friends. Friends old and new and young and few.

- I have gotten into the crazy habit of calling Joe - Joey. Uh, I actually love it a lot. I don't know if he does? He says "I think it's cute." But I know he definitely grew out of it a long long long time ago. :)

- Some of you may know I cut my bangs not very long ago (no big thang) but I've just decided, once they grow out to be just past chin length I'm CUTTING my hair off. (to be the same length as my bangs, perhaps?) I was looking at pictures of me for the past two years, and the only difference in my hair has been color, bangs and no bangs. Boring methinks! I was bored looking at the pictures.

enough?

xo.

wait. don't go. look at this pretty picture I took at Lagoon clear back in August but just now got developed. (film style.)

Food 4.

2011-11-15T23:14:00.005-07:00

(should I get some different bowls? These are just cheap ones from Target. ha.)

Crockpot Orange Chicken

1 can/thing of frozen Orange Juice Concentrate (thawed, though)

2-4 Boneless Chicken Breasts (Cubed into bite sized pieces)

3 Tbsp Ketchup

1 Tsp Balsamic Vinegar

1/4 Cup Brown Sugar

1/2 Tbsp Salt (Sea Salt/Kosher Salt)

(Side Note)

Olive Oil

1/3 Cup Flour (I used gluten free flour)

-Get a regular sized bowl out, mix Orange Juice, Ketchup, Vinegar, Brown Sugar, Salt

-Dump the flour in another smallish bowl.

-Put a good sized amount of olive oil in a saucepan. Put saucepan on the oven.

Coat chicken pieces in flour. Put on saucepan. Turn saucepan to whatever temperature works to cook the meat slightly (until a bit golden, no need to fully cook it though) The goal here is to just make sure the flour is sticking.

After the chicken is close to cooking, pour into PAM'd crockpot.

Pour orange juice mixture on top, stir a little.

Put the lid on, cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2-3. Depending on your crock. I don't think I gave mine enough time, I was hungry!

It's supposed to clump up around the chicken in a kind of Panda Express sort of way. Mine didn't, but it was still so very delicious. It could've had something to do with the GF flour I used. Either way.

TRY IT.

I served it on top of rice.

Rice and our rice cooker has come to be quite the staple in our little home.

i did it again.

2011-11-15T21:56:00.001-07:00

i posted a blog, long and elaborate, and then deleted it. shoot.

Sarah Moon.

2011-11-10T19:22:00.001-07:00

My photography instructor showed us this wonderful video of Sarah Moon's photography, and her personal description and feelings toward her images. I thought it was incredibly inspiring. I wanted to share it. (It's about 10 minutes long and REALLY fascinating, please take some time to watch/hear) The video is followed by a few of my favorite images that she has captured.

What do you think?

The Book of Mormon

2011-11-09T15:32:00.000-07:00

to learn more. watch this.

Food 3.

2011-11-08T22:48:00.007-07:00

(hubsand got a hair cut.)

(p.s. i know i typed hubsand.)

Zuppa Tuscana Soupa and Garlic Parmesan Basil Bread.

Just so you know, I've made this a few times now, and it's always always always delicious.

2 tbs olive oil

1 small yellow onion (chopped)

32oz Chicken Broth

2 Medium Potatoes (I actually use Red Russet Potatoes, tiny ones, lots of them)

2 c. Kale (chopped) (except, I just tear it in little pieces over the pot...)

1/2 tsp Sea Salt

1 pinch of Red Pepper (Cayenne, you know the stuff)

1/2 lb Italian Sausage (I use Jimmy Deans)

1/4 c. Heavy Whipping Cream

Saute Onion in Olive Oil over medium heat for 8 Minutes. Add Broth, Potatoes, Kale, Sea Salt, Red Pepper. Bring to a boil. Heat and let simmer for around 15 minutes. (cook sausage in the meantime, I always get my sausage real close to burnt on some parts... (it's good. I promise.)) After you see your soup simmering add sausage and whipping cream. When serving, top it with Parmesan Cheese.

Garlic Parmesan Basil Bread

Spreadable Butter

Garlic Salt

Parmesan Cheese

Basil

So, I don't go buy french bread loaves and things like that for my husband. I just make up something and pretend it'll be delicious like french bread. (it is. it always is.)

Get out a cookie sheet. (preheat your oven to 375 degrees.)

Get out as many slices of bread your pretty little heart desires. I chose three. Three glutenous and three none glutenous. That's six. I like bread.

Butter both sides of bread, don't worry about spraying your cookie sheet or anything. (you're probably smarter than me and knew this already.)

First add Garlic Salt, second Parm, third color it up with basil.

Put it in your preheated oven for 10 minutes.

(It'll come out real crispy and delicious, if you want it softer, do it for less time! (duh!))

I used the soup as a dip for the bread and the bread as a spoon for the soup... so on.

This is a perfectly yummy gluten free recipe.

Not only that, it's better than what Olive Garden has!

kbye.

hand written thankful.

2011-11-08T20:07:00.003-07:00

if you click it, it gets bigger.

he is all I need.

2011-11-06T17:24:00.004-07:00

I am so grateful I have this handsome man in my life.

because:

-he's always so kind, no matter what.

-he's the kind of person I want to be just like.

-he's hilarious and does all that he can to make sure I'm smiling.

-he's so very smart, he likes to be educated, and is always concerned with understanding things.

-he hugs hard. holds tight. and squeezes just enough.

-he will do anything he can to help me out.

-he's devoted to the gospel, so fully, and completely.

-he has good taste in music and film, and introduces me to a lot of great things.

-he is very good at sharing the household responsibilities, and every responsibility.

-he appreciates my style in both the fashion and decorative sense.

-he snuggles up until the very minute he falls asleep. but if he could, he'd hold my hand all night long. at least so we're touching just a little.

-he says things like this "hey tif.." "..I love you." on a regular basis.

-he puts me in my place when i'm no longer there.

-he's so very willing to share.

-he's stubborn.

-he's sincere.

-he compliments.

-he always wants me near.

-he is all i need.

I love you husbandry.

Food 2.

2011-11-05T00:29:00.003-06:00

Crockpot Brownies.

Get your crockpot out, spray it, or put in a handy dandy crockpot liner (i'd suggest getting these, they're a miracle.)

Recipe:

1 box Brownie Mix (I chose gluten free, of course.)

1 can Sweet and Condensed Milk

1/2 bag of Peanut Butter Chips (I bet you could really choose any topping you like)

1/4 cup Shredded Coconut

1/4 cup Oats

1/4 cup Melted Butter

1/4 cup Water

1 Egg

Directions:

Melt the butter. You can even melt it in the crockpot if you want. Whatever you'd like.

At this point, I really hope you've sprayed the pot with PAM.

Put in your brownie mix, egg, water and mix it all up until thick, and none of the brownie mix is dry.

Pour ENTIRE can of Sweet and Condensed Milk on top.

Layer it with all the fixings.

Oats.

PB Chips.

Coconut.

Put the lid on the crockpot and cook on high if you're using a small crockpot. If you're using a big one cook it on low. Test with a knife or a fork after two hours and if it comes out clean cook for a little bit longer (30 minutes) with the lid off. You'll know it's ready when it starts to pull away from the pot.

I served it up with vanilla ice cream and chocolate on top.

It seems like the perfect treat to make if you're okay with waiting a couple of hours. I was.

Beware: It's so rich you might die! But so good you'll just have to go on living!

Florence.

2011-11-03T16:09:00.001-06:00

Ceremonials.

Food.

2011-10-25T18:44:00.003-06:00

I want to start making it a habit of telling you what I make for dinner. Why? Because I'm surprised at the food I make. I didn't grow up being one who cooked or wanted to cook. I became that one, when I got married, and I absolutely LOVE it... So I'm no pro, but my tastebuds are continuously impressed. toot. toot. (that's me tooting my own horn)

This is a BBQ chicken panini. It's on UDI's Gluten Free bread BUT obviously it can go on any bread.

here's how it goes.

if your chicken is frozen, boil it. if not... cook it until you can shred it into small pieces. I only used one chicken breast and between Joe and I it was plenty.

Special BBQ Sauce made by yours truly (that's me.)

1 Cup plain old BBQ Sauce
1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
1 tbsp Brown Sugar
1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
1 tsp Minced Onion (or real onion, if you want)

Heat in a saucepan on low, stirring, until... well... hot.
Add chicken, stir it all UP. Yum.

Get your panini maker out OR your george forman grill. (it totally works.)
Put mayo on your bread.
Add shredded cheese to your liking. (I had Monterey Jack and Colby Cheese)
Bring on the BBQ Chicken.

GRILL AWAY.

Serve with Baked Asparagus.

Heat oven to 375 degrees.
Put Asparagus on cookie sheet, lightly sprayed with Pam first.
Lightly coat asparagus with Olive Oil.
Add real salt. (Extra Coarse Sea Salt)
Top with Grated Parmesan Cheese (it can totally be the prepackaged kind.)

Bake for 9 Minutes. (or however long your oven takes to brown it a little.)
then Top again with Parm Cheese.

Walah.

Such a good dinner.

That will be all.

xo.

it comes and goes.

2011-10-24T15:49:00.001-06:00

I wish I could show you how often I log into blogger, type a paragraph, erase it, and log off.

Oh hi.

2011-10-22T11:32:00.000-06:00

Jungle Drum.

2011-10-06T19:06:00.001-06:00

Emiliana Torrini: Jungle Drum
CUTEST.
I really love the music this little lady makes. I know, she's been around for SO long, but lately she's been all I really need.

that girl has love.

2011-10-03T15:48:00.002-06:00

I have been wanting to write about this for awhile now, I've never been able to explain it, even in my head, so we'll see how it goes.

I have said the words "I Love You" to every single man I've dated. Not only have I said it, I've said it often, and along with words came expression. I have shown love to every single man I've dated. With that, I'd like to say a few more words.

I believe so fully that it's okay that I've shared love, words, expressions, actions, with all of them. I believe that when I said the three most important words in the world, I said them with real intent and warmth of heart. I don't believe I said them to soon or too late. I said them when I felt them. I'll have you know, each one of those men said it to me, too. I have thought about my feelings toward my husband so often versus how I felt with any and every other guy I've ever felt anything toward. And because he wasn't my first "love" in that whole sense of the word, I have often thought about if my expressions to the others were abnormal, inappropriate, or rushed. Pondering it more and more, I urged myself to write it out and figure it out, to set myself straight with it.

I am a girl who loves. When romantic gestures are shared, "liking" becomes apparent, on both sides, my heart grows. Feeling liked is the best thing, isn't it? Liked doesn't equal loved. But it should, in my opinion. I liked being liked but I liked being loved even more. When your heart swells up full of like, it's really love. and really love becomes I love you. How is that you share every moment of your day with a man/woman and refrain from telling them you love them? I don't want anyone that I've expressed love to to ever feel I did it wrongly. I want them all to know that when I said "I love you" I meant it. With love comes concern, care, sharing, doing, becoming. And I feel that with every man I was ever with I did all of those glorious things, all of those growing things. And for that, I loved.

I know many have thought of me as the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. It's okay, I think it's better to wear your heart on your sleeve than to bottle it up inside of you. My heart is all over my sleeve, and it's ready to rub off on the next person I meet. I like that about me.

Just because love is; doesn't mean forever is. There are so many factors that come into play there. And with Joe, my husband, I felt forever. I forever'd him. I felt myself sharing my everything with him, for the rest of forever, and I felt confident telling him I love you, repeatedly, for e v e r. And for you and for the next person, my heart is on my sleeve, to share and care and love and be, but Joe and I are the forever, and the only two, that can put my heart away at the end of the day.

With that, I will admit that I still care for each person I've said "I love you" to. I care for their well being and hope the best for them. I don't dawdle in thoughts of them and I don't actively pursue their happiness. But, I still care about them.

So forever more, I'll tell you I love you, because I mean it. and I'm so blessed to have a husband who understands me, who doesn't feel weird or bad when I tell my boy friends (boys who are friends) that I love them. He understands I have a lot of love to give, and give it I will.

appropriately, I love my husband more than any other person in this world. I can't express my feelings toward him in the slightest, but the love I have for him is endless. My heart swells to the greatest degree even with the thought of him. I'd do any and everything for him. Our love is pure, it's limitless and pure. It's happiness.

-Tif

fall.

2011-09-30T00:10:00.002-06:00

I am a Daughter of God.

2011-09-24T16:10:00.000-06:00

I've never thought more seriously about being an example than I have in the recent month. Every move I make may in fact, be noted, and followed by someone else. This is truth. It applies to every living soul. But because I spend Tuesday evenings and Sunday afternoons with the teenage girls from my church. I really need to step it up and be a better me. There are many areas in my life that could be improved, but the one thing I cannot get out of my head is that I really really need to love myself more.

Call me a creeper, if you will, but sitting in the same spot on campus while waiting for my English class to start is one of my favorite things to do. I sit and watch. Have you ever noticed that every person walks to their own beat, whether or not they're listening to music? I love that. I love that you can tell if a person is confident or not with the way their body communicates. I love that you can see happiness or sadness on faces without knowing the face at all. I love that we're all so incredibly different looking. That is some thing and some truth that I have grasped as I've grown up (a little.)

Regardless of our differences, and honestly, don't we all know they exist? We all have one glorious and perfect thing in common, besides likes and dislikes, tastes and distastes.. That thing is: We are all Daughters and Sons of God. We were all created in his likeness. We are so incredible.

If I believe this, and yes I do, why is it that I get so caught up in my appearance? How I look vs. the next woman who comes my way. I'm not sure, exactly, where the defined source is. But I think I have some idea. And it's the obvious. It's not that I'm comparing myself to famous beauties. I find myself comparing me to the people I know. The women I know. (Friends (and Sister), be flattered, it's nothing more than a compliment.) The funny thing is, the women I know, they're Daughters of God, too, aren't they? So what difference does it really make, that they appear one way and I appear another?

It makes no difference at all.

Another thing I have concluded and I don't want to leave this out, because it's important. My husband loves me. For me. He tells me I'm beautiful constantly. I know he truly means it and believes in it. Now, if I can, I'll state, if he wasn't attracted to me, we wouldn't be married, and why in the world should I want to look like anyone else if my husband married ME? Me: Tif. 168 lbs, size 12, acne faced, tiny eyed, big lipped, huge boobed, big bellied, tiny butt, no hips, Me. He loves me. He chose forever with me.

I am beautiful because I am a Daughter of God and because my husband says I am.
I am beautiful because my worth is not defined by perfection in the worlds view. My worth is defined by what I do with my life, who I serve, and what I learn.
I am beautiful because I have a divine nature.

My goal is to love me and to walk with my head up (but not too far). So when I need to tell the beautiful teenage girls whom I already adore, that they are beautiful too, I can. and I can tell them why.

i'm not pregnant.

2011-09-22T10:06:00.002-06:00

I can't tell you how many times I've been asked when I'm "due". Too many. Once is too many when you're not expecting a baby at all. Once is too many when you're 17 and still in high school. Once is too many when you're in the grocery store and the person in front of you in line sees that you're carrying something heavy next to your belly and offers you to go first...

I want you to know that this might be a little too much information.

When all of the girls in high school and many in middle school started their periods, I thought I was just right behind them! I was coming right on it! I was going to be a woman in NO TIME. I had already showed signs of being a women, the obvious signs, the puberty signs. But the actual period part didn't come. Two months before my 17th birthday it did and I think for two months after that I had a regular period. Short, timely, light, and hardly crampy. Since then, I have gone MONTHS without menstruating (6 Months, once). And once I finally do, it is so painful, so heavy, and it lasts anywhere from two weeks to a month. It is Hell. When I got home from Russia some time ago, I went to the doctor because I hadn't had a period in all the time I was visiting that foreign land. I wasn't pregnant. It didn't make sense. The doctor was a more holistic health care lady. She told me I had the lowest levels of progesterone she had ever seen. She prescribed a cream to rub on my belly, it was supposed to make me feel ok, and regulate me. I didn't use it because I didn't understand how a creme would solve all of my problems. I didn't believe in holistic health. Once a few years ago, I was bleeding so heavily I had an accident. I became really weak, really pale, and felt so very awful. I went to the emergency room. They pumped me full of sugar water and told me to get on birth control. So I went to my family physician and he told me I had to go to an obgyn. So I did. He found ovarian cysts, all over my ovaries. He diagnosed me with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. He told me birth control would help get rid of those cysts, it would help flatten and soften my stomach, it would obviously regulate my periods. So I started taking it, I took three different kinds in 1 year. I was a crazy person but my periods were regular. I really, genuinely was crazy. So I stopped taking the pill. Let's speed up to nowadays. Right before I got married I got back on the pill for the sake of not having a baby, not to regulate my system and God knows it needs regulating. I became someone I didn't know, someone I didn't like, and someone that hurt my husband on a regular basis. So I stopped taking the pill again. It's been two months since I've had a period. I'm not pregnant.

I am a little overweight, but my legs are all muscle and so are my arms. If I didn't have my ginormous stomach, I think my body would be pretty decent. I don't exercise as often as I should, but I never over eat. I eat pretty healthy. I could stop eating, totally, and become anorexic-I'd still have a large belly. It's due to what's happening on the inside. With my woman parts. Because of my low levels of progesterone and ovarian cysts, I might have a really really hard time conceiving.

Because my hormones and body are so irregular, I'm almost always on an emotional roller coaster. There might even be other factors that play into that, Bi Polar disorder runs in my mothers side of the family. It is something very real. I have no diagnosis of it, of course, but sometimes I worry about having that in my life. Depression has seemed to be more apart of me lately, but it tends to be one extreme or the other. It is something that I need to get checked out.

I want to explain myself to the world. Why I have a big dumb belly and why I am so emotional. It's all inside. I have been happier lately though, my sister told me to use that creme I denied so long ago, so I got some. I feel quite a difference in my health all around. Maybe it's all I need? We'll see.

this is me. I'm not pregnant.

reintroduction.

2011-09-21T13:49:00.000-06:00

I always start my journal entries with "It's been far too long since I've written," or something so close to that it's sad. Because in all reality, it always has been far too long since I've last written, unless I write everyday, but that never happens anymore. It's more like once a month. Maybe. It seems like the only times I write in my actual journal, on actual pages, with an actual pen, are the times I'm frustrated about something. Or my hormones are going crazy and I don't know where else to express how I feel.

that is just sad.

The times I write in my journal should be the happiest times, the times where my heart fluttered, or I shared something special with someone, or I'm doing really good at my job, or I had a really spiritual experience, or something I went through was defining.

But it never happens that way.

I don't know what has come over me, maybe it's just because work has gotten busier, I just haven't been a blogger. I haven't been a facebooking (I swear that'll become a verb someday) queen (or slut, however you'd like to put it.) I guess what I'm trying to say is, I never seem to want to take the time to write anymore. Saying that out loud (because this is out loud) kinda hurts my own feelings.

I love to write. I love to express myself on paper with pen. Or in this form, the type written form.

I'm not even sure who I'm writing too sometimes. I will admit that I've gotten carried away with the amount of followers I have and the amount of comments I get on my posts. I've worried about that, I've determined my worth as a writer, dependent clearly on those "stats". I've wondered why so many people have sometimes hundreds of comments on one post, where the most I've gotten is 10. I have had a blog for 3 years now. 3 years. I've thought about the importance of this piece of web-space and I've wondered so often if it is important at all. Seriously? A blog is important? It is only important if it a) becomes a therapy for me. b) inspires you. or c) is my own personal journal that i'm going to print into a book. But then again, importance is determined by whom? Myself. Right now, my blog I feel that my blog is not important.

But whatever the outlet, it is important to write, to express, to free think and splatter myself somewhere. Not only for the benefit of me, just me, but the benefit of that ONE person who might be inspired or excited about what I have to share.

I was talking to my friend Louise the other day about how I feel so small and so insecure SO often when I get caught up in the stalking of friends on Facebook. Looking at their pictures, assessing their achievements, seeing their beautiful families, or wonderful new photographs. She told me she's sure that some people feel that way when they're "stalking" me. Perhaps it's true. But I don't want anyone to feel insecure because I'm . . . me. And I'll dare bet that no one wants me to feel that way either. I have been debating and talking a lot about deleting my account. Isn't that silly? I threaten myself to lose touch with hundreds of my friends, acquaintances, connections, because of my own insecurities. Facebook is dumb. It really is. It's a terrible waste of time. But it doesn't have to be. It's a place to share. and share I will.

So what is the purpose of this ramble? Self realization.

Hello. My name is Tiffani. I like to go by Tif. This blog is about me and it is for me, and I'm sharing it with you. I AM going to share me with you, because right now, I'm the best me I've ever been. So get ready.

[bed head. no makeup. me.]

91787

2011-09-17T05:46:00.000-06:00

today, i'm 24.

100 Years of Style.

2011-09-09T15:47:00.000-06:00

lovelovelovelove.

downtown ptown.

2011-09-06T12:26:00.003-06:00

tifbittuesday:itfeelslikemondaytoday.

2011-09-06T10:33:00.000-06:00

• We didn't go to work or go to school yesterday. It was great. We went to see THE RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES. of the of the. did you notice that, too? I secretly swore to myself that I wouldn't see this movie strictly because of the ridiculous title. But we saw it anyway, and it was good. I could have waited to see it on Netflix though. It wasn't that good. We also went to the jeweler to drop off my wedding rings to get their 6 month treatment of rhodium dipping. I was really quite anxious and nervous to leave my rings behind. But it's only until Thursday, so I'll probably be okay. After that we went to Texas Roadhouse. YUM. Happy Labor Day. I hope you all had a labor-less day, unless you wanted to be in labor, like baby labor...

• Along with all of that fun stuff I mentioned above, I finished Mad Men. I want to watch it all over again but I will probably resist that temptation. I just read that Season 5 doesn't start until 2012. Until then I will shop at Banana Republic, mix cocktails (and then DRINK THEM), smoke cigarettes, and do... other stuff.

kidding guys.
kidding.

• We got Macbook Pro's. I'd say it was well deserved, for both of us... I am looking forward to using it for all of my photography, and also for all of my schooling. I am totally a PC girl, so using a Mac is new and stressful for me. I don't know secret commands and ques. With all the frustration I don't want to take it back, I want to learn. It's fun having such a neat little device, though. If you have skype or facetime and want to hang out with me, let's do it! I think my facetime is tiffani.hafen and my skype is tifsong? I'm not sure. I'll check on that and get back to you.

• Referring back to last tifbit, I am now a Young Women's Advisor. I get to teach teenage girls about the gospel. I am looking forward to it, a great deal. Although, I feel like I was only just a teenager myself. So on the adequacy scale of teaching, I'm not sure I've reached the right point. We'll see. My first lesson isn't until October 23rd. (We rotate between six of us.)

• My two favorite people in the whole world are pictured in this post with me. My sister and my husband. If you were wondering. and couldn't clearly see.

• Current Obsession : Cold War Kids "Mine Is Yours". The entire album is incredible. I may or may not have had it in my car the last week, as my only source of sound. It is pure goodness..

• My brother-in-law Ricky just wrote an incredible post for my new blog. I think every single person would benefit from reading it. http://howwherewhatyoumay.blogspot.com, really though.

• I felt like I was going to tell you guys something really cool, but I cannot think what it could be. Maybe I'll think of it and add it later, after all of my devout tifbit readers have already come and gone.

xo.

booth.

2011-09-04T22:18:00.003-06:00

cool wallpaper (of the kitchen, top right corner of pics), huh?

florescent lighting isn't the most flattering, and yes, I was computing at my kitchen table.

welcome to our house. don't mind my skin.

but these pictures are so darn good looking, I shouldn't even apologize for the lighting.

no need for words.

2011-09-03T11:38:00.003-06:00

also what's with the new blogger layout? mmm. not sure i dig.

ichat.

2011-09-03T11:00:00.001-06:00

we're at work. in the same room. at the same time.

we're ridiculous.

and adorable.

p.s. i used the "Stretch" effect on my side. I don't always look that good.

and I'll gladly welcome you with the annual..

2011-09-01T11:16:00.007-06:00

Earth Wind and Fire.
"September"
how convenient.

oh hello September. you're just around the moon.

2011-08-31T08:50:00.000-06:00

(source)

oh and back to blissful weather and more of natures color.

tifbit.

2011-08-30T12:08:00.001-06:00

• the thing is, my photography class was supposed to be film. that's what i signed up for. it was a big farce. i'm in a digital photography class. I am a little disappointed. to be honest. but it's okay, i'm also looking forward to learning more about my cam. I don't think I know all things digital, so it will for sure be beneficial. My instructor is a quirky cutie named Teresa Flowers. she's got extreme talent and an impressive knowledge in photography. FILM mostly, so I don't know why she's teaching digital. She doesn't either. anyway. if you want to peak at her work shes at http://www.sleepictures.com, she uses tons of different cameras, but the most impressive is a film Hasselblad. those cameras are crazy cool. and if you do go to the website, beware, you'll see plenty of boobies. But at least go to her website and read about her (you don't need to see boobies to read about her)! Her photography is wonderful, creative, and edgy and I'm looking forward to learning from an expert, for sure.

• I'm not very excited about English. Who likes to write closed forms? Yeah, I just learned what that meant yesterday. Basically it's a thesis faced essay. Or the Structure is obvious in it. They're generally boring and mostly researched based. English 1010 is all about research. I am not excited. I don't know how to write like that, clearly. But my teacher lady surely seems educated, and ready to educate. Maybe it'll be better than I think. It's really hard to get out of the usual and write what you're supposed to write vs. what you want to write. You know? I write for my journal and my blog. No one else, dang it! ☺ I aim for an A. It's cool if you want to pray for me or something.

• I really enjoyed being on campus yesterday, surrounded by hundreds of anxious students. I really think I'm gonna do it this semester! I mean, go to class all semester long and do well! Yay! It helps to have a husband there, too, to hold my hand for a little while before we have to go to our separate classes. And can we just talk about the library for a minute? It's amazing. Even though I don't know how to find any books in it. Books are everywhere, on all 5 floors. But I don't know where to just regular fiction novels. Hah. I'll find it, I will!

• My religion blog has really taken off! http://howwherewhatyoumay.blogspot.com I think you'll be uplifted and edified.

• Speaking of uplifted and edified, go see The Help. Seriously. Even though every few minutes the sound in our theater would drop out and we'd miss what was being said, all of the parts we heard were wonderful! I want to see it again! I'm so impressed with all the acting in it, as well. and EMMA STONE I MIGHT HAVE A CRUSH ON YOU. whoa. that was bold. literally, I made it bold.

• I'm looking forward to being off work today, so I can run errands, and cook dinner and be a good wifey until my husband gets home from class. I also have an interview with my bishop tonight. I wonder what calling I'm going to get? Stay tuned.

• oh and, if you were wondering I want a target gift card for my birthday.

xo.

school la la.

2011-08-29T09:05:00.005-06:00

(my sister gave me this shirt. she's nice.

I cooked in it yesterday, it has butter stains all over it,

I even washed it. and they're stuck. I'm awesome enough to wear it anyway.

perhaps I should invest in an apron.)

I start school today. I know, if you've been following my blog for the last three years you'll notice that when I say I'm starting school it will follow with: (a few days later) "I'm done with school! It's not for me! It sucks!" Or something along those lines. But, to not disappoint, I'll make you aware that I'm only taking two classes.

English 1010

and

Art 1050 aka Photography.

6 credits.

Do you think I can handle it? ☺

I surely hope so, do you see how bad I am at English? Who knows if I'll be able to write papers on topics my instructor wants me to write them on. Ick.

Happy Schooling. and Living.

and cheers to trying it all over again.

New Blog!

2011-08-27T12:25:00.001-06:00

Hello friends! I just wanted to let you all know that I have created my Religion blog.

Here is the link: http://howwherewhatyoumay.blogspot.com/

I hope you'll take the time to read the posts, the tabs, and ponder your own beliefs. I would love so much to get some more input!

Thanks for your support!

in35mm

2011-08-26T12:47:00.000-06:00

utah state capitol.

joe being handsome and snazzy all at once.

lion guy at the utah state capitol.

joe took this.

he's my man. ☺

joe is a photographer.

2011-08-25T10:40:00.001-06:00

(click each image to view bigger, you won't regret it.)

Joe took these while serving an LDS Mission in Zurich, Switzerland.

I wanted to share them with you because I think they're incredible and I think he is too.

tifbit.

2011-08-23T18:04:00.000-06:00

• I get a LOT of compliments on my glasses. Like, an odd amount of compliments, really. Some people have even complimented me twice. Friends. "I like your glasses. are they new?" "Your glasses are cool, are they real?" I'm not patting myself on the back here for being awesome and finding these glasses. I got them for like, $15.00. With the prescription, included. I found them here. I am telling you about the compliments because I actually really hate these glasses. They're too big, too intrusive. I don't hate the company that they are from, so don't let me stop you from browsing. I just don't like how I look in them. ick. I think the worst is that some strangers think I'm only wearing them because it's in style to have big bulky glasses. "Just because" glasses. They aren't, my friends, they aren't. I'm not hip. I don't wear glasses just because they're cool. I wear them because I have to.

• I absolutely love going to concerts. My handsome hubby and I went to Death Cab last night and it was such a delightful experience. I've seen them twice before, and they were brilliant those times, but this time it just seemed so much better. I love watching the crowd bob their head to the same beat.their heads bob faster or slower, and then jumping starts. Or it doesn't. I'm so moved by the power of music. Every time I listen to this particular band, my mind creates poetry. I never am able to write it down, so I just pray I remember it. I hardly ever do. Emotion is stirred so heavily in me with their lyrics, I sometimes tear up. I love observing people in a crowd, some people dance, some people sit still, some people fold their arms and just stare. Some people just smile. Some people put their arms around another and sway. Some people sing a long. Music is quite the experience. and everyone experiences it differently. Joe and I sat the whole time, we weren't in "General Admission." I questioned myself "Does this make me less of a fan? That I'm not that close?" Or "Does it make me less of a fan that I'm not standing?" Answer. No. I appreciated their talents whether I was close or far, sitting or standing. I was moved. Sincerely.

• Since marriage. I've grown greatly accustomed to exchanging "I and He" with "We" in conversation. I love it. We love this. We went here. We slept in. We danced. We watched this. You know what I'm saying? WE is soo much better than me. I have been so very fortunate to become "we" with Joseph.

• I'll be posting my blog on "RELIGION: TOLERANCE" this weekend. If you'd like to be part of it please have your "submission" to me by Friday. email me at tifdawg@gmail.com It can be any length. Thank You.

xo.

we are mad men.

2011-08-22T12:40:00.001-06:00

we both wanted a donut at the time, I guess.

i'm pretty sure neither of us look this way. but WHATEVER guys. whatever.

p.s. Joe is now watching this with me. I'm glad. Because I felt like I was having an affair with the television.

eat. move. learn.

2011-08-20T15:13:00.000-06:00

EAT from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

MOVE from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

LEARN from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

lagoon: it's what fun is.

2011-08-18T15:41:00.002-06:00

I took Joe to Lagoon for his birthday on Tuesday. It was wonderful because I kept the secret and didn't tell him until that morning, as was planned. Lagoon was celebrating 125 years of fun. Joe was celebrating 23 years of awesomeness.

Joe is jazzy because. I wrote reasons why Joe is jazzy and put them in a plastic baggy. I handed them to him all day long. generally I text birthday boy or girl all day long and tell them why he or she is an adjective that matches the first letter of their first name. But I didn't want to text Joe because he was right by my side all day! I didn't make this up. my friend Hannah taught me how. it's the best best.

clearly.

we had to stop in between rides to get ourselves one of these beauties. It was our first snow cone of the summer, and summer is almost gone. huh.

cute, "hey stranger will you take a picture of us?" one of those kinds of pictures.

we rode this 7 times. and the green roller coaster in back, called wicked, we road twice. it was pretty thrilling.

The Rocket is my least favorite ride in the world, and it's not even scary, in comparison to the these bad boys, to some people. but it shoots you straight up and then straight back down. in a free fall kind of way.

low shirt. necklace sunburn. i'm hot.

Joe said "it looks like I'm turning 5."

no it doesn't. it's clearly a 2 and a 3. that makes 23. haha.

the tidal wave. although it makes your stomach fall, it seems to be the most relaxing of the rides we rode.

that is good for now! maybe i'll show you our adventures at Texas Roadhouse later.

because we did indeed go there, too. for what was supposed to be a surprise party. that no one was on time for. It was okay though, it was fun :) and Joe was happy. That's all that matters.

Joe is Jazzy because he's 23.

tifbit tuesday. late again. dun dun dunnnn.

2011-08-18T10:27:00.001-06:00

Hi. I was gone all day on Tuesday! Celebrating Joe's birthday. And, yesterday, I didn't feel like tifbitting. So today is the day. and I'll post pictures of Joe's birthday later!

• I find myself, everyday, longing for Russia. I try my best to pretend like I'm there sometimes, or take in smells that would be unappealing and make them "home." Like cigarette smoke. I love being in bigger cities, where I'm able to envelope tall buildings with a warm embrace. I feel sad when I think about how in the past that experience was for me. I feel sad when I long for IT like I longed for home when I was there. I don't think people can really express how visiting a different country is, and what it does, it's just something you have to do for yourself.

• I haven't gotten much of a response on my religion post. I am giving it a few more days before I make the big post. I'd really like to hear about you and your religions, your faith. It feels like something that needs to be in my heart. I know many of my followers are Christians, who go to Bible Camp. and I want to hear all about your testimonies! And fellow Mormons, you too. Baptists, Buddhists, Atheists! Why do you believe or not believe? tifdawg@gmail.com

• I have had many a sunburn this summer. But only on my arms and face. Because that is generally what shows. I got a sunburn on my chest on Tuesday. I didn't realize my shirt was so very low cut. I hate it. It's blistered and itchy and awful. Joe calls it my necklace. He thinks he's hilarious. I thank the heavens for Aloe Vera.

• On to season 2 of Mad Men. Uh oh.

• Today is day 2 of working at 6am. I hate it. if you were wondering.

• I'm not sure that I have a lot more to say. I'm a sleepy girl.

• I went on a deleting frenzy via facebook. I deleted tons of past albums, all of my notes, all of my interests and information. And friends. I deleted "friends." I'm sure I'll offend some, and I'd like to say sorry. and along with the sorry, I just don't feel it's necessary to collect friends. I don't think looking at photos and likes and dislikes and reading status updates of people I don't really know all that well is beneficial for me or for you. I just don't care that much anymore. I was telling Joe the other day that Facebook is causing strangers to be friends which can be good. But it's also leaving no room for wonder, and if I see an acquaintance in the grocery store, I'll have nothing to talk to them about, because I'll already know it all. Yup. My stand. and back to the purpose of this tifbit, facebook won't let me check my notifications or post on walls right now because of my deleting frenzy. Weird. I wasn't even done with it!

xo.

Religion.

2011-08-15T15:08:00.003-06:00

I have this idea, for my blog. I want to hear from anyone who has a religion. or an absolute faith in something. I want you to tell me why you believe in it. A testimony. and then I'm going to post it on my blog. In one big post. and it's going to be fantastic.. So please, no matter the religion that you are. If you truly believe in SOMETHING, God, or any other thing, tell me about it.

feel free to comment here. or email me. tifdawg@gmail.com

I know many of my followers have an absolute faith in something or someone. I know many of you are Latter Day Saints, but I also know, many of you are not. I want us all to practice tolerance, and freedom of religion. and I want to compile it all in one spot.

Please and thanks.

oh and! you have one week, if you want to think about it! :)

also, this is not a place to bash anyone. it's just a peaceful place for expression.

my neighbors cat.

2011-08-15T15:05:00.002-06:00

you bet.

2011-08-13T13:52:00.001-06:00

"you're so beautiful, you make the camera smile"*

that's what Joe told me on the way to a couple wedding receptions last night.

He was so proud of himself, too.

I giggled a little, but in all seriousness, that's quite the wonderful worded way to call someone beautiful.

*Copyright Joe Hafen.

I wish I could express it.

How much I love this man.

shabby.

2011-08-12T11:21:00.002-06:00

I am a bridesmaid for the prettiest girl this September. Her colors are cobalt blue and green apple. Her bridesmaids got to chose the colors of their dresses and everyone chose blue, so I figured instead of sticking out like a sore thumb (nice expression, tif) I'd chose blue too. I bought this dress. I think it's super classy. I have never spent this much money on any article of clothing in my entire life. This dress cost more than my wedding dress. (remember how I borrowed it?) So I expected it to be of the highest and finest quality. It's not. But it'll do. I like how it fits, and the color is lovely. But the material is a little thin. Unexpectedly so.

Anyway. It probably wouldn't stop me from buying a dress from Shabby Apple again, although, I'll probably wait awhile to spend that much money on what should be a "cheap" dress.

Also, I need to find a pair of shoes and a belt or some sort of lovely accessory to break up the blue! Joe votes a belt. So if you see anything good, let me know. Heels? I never wear them, I don't own one pair, but I think I'll probably need to get a pair for the wedding, so I'm just looking for the tiniest heel ever. Where should I look for some inexpensive ones? Comfortable ones?

frizzy hair. cold morning. real life.

2011-08-12T10:10:00.000-06:00

I came to work with wet hair. I just let it air dry. I have never in my life failed to do my hair for work. But today I did. It's pretty frizzy. I kinda feel self conscious. But why should I? I shouldn't, really.

While driving to work I realized that I had turned my air conditioner off and switched it from "cold" intake to "warm" intake. and then I grew incredibly anxious. Not dreading the Fall, but the winter that comes so very soon after. Winter in N. Utah might be the death of me. Snow. Snow is beautiful. I love how it looks and how it feels. I love that it's cold. I love that I have to cover up all of me to feel warm. I love fall/winter attire. It's my favorite. Boots. Cardigans. Coats. Scarves. Knitted Hats. Bliss. But I cannot and will not tell you that I love driving in snow. It is the most dreadful and fear provoking substance on this earth. Because it melts. It freezes. Icy roads are created. Snow falls. melts. more ice is created. Layer upon layer. Spin out, fishtail, slow motion driving. Roads that are not shoveled, plowed, because they are the "lesser" roads...

I dread it.

But, on a more positive note,

the fall here is beautiful, the leaves actually change colors. Where I'm from, the leaves change colors and then die, immediately. There is no lingering color affair. So it truly is a wonderful thing to be up here in Autumn.

We've got two more weeks of summer until school starts.

I'll see Joe less. This 24/7 stuff is surely coming to a close. I'm so grateful I've had the opportunity to know how it feels to be around my husband so often! Sometimes I tell Joe that this isn't "Real life" and as soon as real life starts it's going to be crazy. Joe reassures me this is real life.

book disappointment and a funny.

2011-08-11T11:49:00.002-06:00

I have discovered I'm not one who likes to read about food. I'd rather just eat it.

Gourmet Rhapsody. You are a let down.

Just like in Eat Pray Love, all I want to do is skim over the food parts.

and the whole of your pages are food parts.

I'm sorry Muriel Barbery. I will praise The Elegance for all of my days, but I won't tell anyone to read this one.

Um. Unless of course you are a food reader. Maybe it's a good way to keep it slim. Read about it instead of eat about it.

I just can't finish you. Whoever wants my copy, can have it!

and now, a funny part from my current favorite t.v. show.

tifbit tuesday.

2011-08-09T19:02:00.005-06:00

• I microwave otter pops. Yes, I know they're supposed to be frozen. Yes, I know it's weird. But I do it. I microwave 3 or so (at a time) for a minute and suck all the juices out. It's like having a little bit of punch in all different flavors. Why don't I just keep them out of the freezer and put them in the fridge instead? A little ice is nice.

• Mad Men anyone? Uh oh. Blast you Netflix. I think this is a new addiction. My husband isn't in on it, either. (He has no desire to watch it.) So what am I to do? When can I feed this addiction? Only when he's not around. I'd rather him be around, really. But does anyone else watch this? Why is it so compelling? It's full of scandal and badly treated women. Terribly true to the era, I'd say.

• I agreed, along with Joe, to work from 6 AM to 2 PM next week. Monday thru Friday. Except Tuesday, because it's Joe's birthday. I'm not sure why we agreed to do that. It may be the death of us. But it may not, as well. I just have to get up at like.. 4:45 am to shower and be to work on time. (work is about 20 miles from our home.) But it's only for ONE week. I'll probably be okay.

• As I mentioned above, Tuesday is Joe's birthday. I have some fantastic plans for it, but I can't tell you. Because they are a SURPRISE. If Joe didn't read this blog, I'd tell you. But I want him to read it, he's probably my biggest fan, who doesn't comment.

• I love Birthdays.

• Joe and I have been really into photography lately. What? Ha. I know. I'm clearly already into it. What I mean is, we're using film. My Fish-eye Lomography and my father in law's Canon A1 have been our greatest friends the past two days! I think Joe is a little bit more excited than I am, even! I'll post pictures as soon as they're developed.

• I get really caught up in other peoples issues/problems and sometimes they cause me great anxiety. This is awful and wonderful all at the same time. I'm not sure how to handle it sometimes because I want to be listening ears. And I am, to a lot of people a lot of the time. But sometimes what they're dealing with or about to do, weighs so heavily on my heart and mind, I can't sleep* at night.

*(also, if you want to know the truth, as I typed sleep, I was supposed to be saying SPEAK WITH over the phone (i'm at work.) but guess what I said instead? just guess. SLEEP WITH. don't worry, the dude hung up on me.. scandalous.)

• Also, I know I haven't paid much attention to my blog lately. I think my self esteem is to blame. I'm not really that cool or interesting. That's discouraging! I sometimes wonder who cares. Although, when I threatened to delete all of my social networking, plenty of people told me not to. So I shan't. P.S. I really really want to delete facebook, still.

• Speaking of cool words, (shan't) I've been using the word farce a lot. HA. Seriously. Ask my husbando!

• thank you Liz Lemon. Tina Fey. for what? well. everything. for instance. calling everyone a dummy. it's my favorite.

xo.

here's a good one.

2011-08-06T13:56:00.000-06:00

tom hanks.

t. hanks.

thanks.

did you do that on purpose sir?

from now on, when saying thanks to someone, i'm just going to say tom hanks instead.

xo.

I feel like I need to tell you something, but I really don't have anything to say.

2011-08-06T10:52:00.002-06:00

leetle lamb guy.

2011-08-04T13:41:00.000-06:00

blogs I'd follow if I were you. ( no. 3 )

2011-08-03T19:33:00.000-06:00

I think it's that time again. Time to tell you about a few (or four) blogs. Ladies and the few gents, you will not be disappointed when you click on these links. I promise.

Ana at Live and Enliven. I do not know her, but I feel like sometimes I could pass her off as a friend. She posts the most wonderful inspirational things. She never fails to comment on your blog, and she appreciates what you have to say. I wish she'd post more pictures of herself though! I think sometimes it'd be nice to say hello to such a delightful soul! In picture acquaintanceship, anyhow. Be inspired. Click this. LIVE AND ENLIVEN.

Alison. This girl has extreme talent. She draws and sketches and paints. Creates. I love all of her work and she has finally decided to put it on the blogging community to share with everyone else! She promised to post once a day and she has done PRETTY good so far! She is the artist behind my sign in at our wedding, the balloon picture on the right of my posts. ("Life is an Occasion..") and so many of the doodles that are hanging out in my house. She's brilliant, clever, and talented. Check her out! Perhaps you'll be able to commission her to create something for YOU. 10% Of My Brain.

Megan. She is one of the most talented and beautiful people, I have never met. Oh but sometimes I dream of it! (in the least creepy way possible.) Her talent in photography and dreamy envisions is the most exquisite and unreal thing I've ever seen. Someday, I'll be photographed by her. I know it! And isn't she just stunning? I'd say so. Her personal blog is this: Postcards: From the Robin's Nest and her photography website is this:Easy Dreamer Photography. careful lovelies, you might melt with romance and joy a little.

Kate. I'm not sure she realizes her greatness. I have been following her blog for a little over two years I think. I've never met her, but I would just absolutely love too. Maybe I'm cool because we both went to the same high school, or, I went to school with her bro Alex. Is that like meeting someone? C'mon, not at all! I am constantly inspired and delighted by her posts. She is fashionable and beautiful. Happy and funny. Smart and witty. She has excellent taste in all things. Music. Movies. Art. Clothes. Food. You name it. And I think you might grow quite attached to her and when she sometimes threatens to stop writing for a bit, it makes my heart a little sad. It'll probably make yours sad, too. You'll adore her: Communikate by Telegraham

Louise or -as I call her- Lu. OH MY! Lu is a lifesaver. Not only that, she's IRISH. Not only that, I met her whilst vacationing in Tallinn, Estonia. Might I add, she's hilarious, definitely the best facebook/gmail chat friend, you'll ever meet. She loves packages and letters and loves to send them too. I'm pretty confident that with out her in my life for the past few years, I'd not be the same person. I was very fortunate to meet her a few years ago, and I'd deem her as my favorite treasure from my trip to Russia! You should follow her blog and love her as much as I do! She'll make you think, make you laugh, make you cry, and you'll totally be drawn right into her Irish World! Oh and lets not forget to mention she's a world traveler: Labhaoise Ni Dhuibhir

I hope you'll fancy what I've shared!
ALSO. I stole all of the pictures you see here from the bloggers blogs or facebook accounts.

tifbit tuesday.

2011-08-02T16:44:00.002-06:00

(we are really, very attractive.)

• Joe and I spent last weekend in St. George, where I/We:

◘ photographed a beautiful wedding with one of my greatest friends, Whitney.

◘ hung out with our group of friends, just like old times, except, there were babies there this time.

◘ celebrated Joe's grandmother's 88Th Birthday. We love you Grandma Joey!

◘ went to our 5 year class reunion. (more on that with the next bullet.)

◘ went to my twin cousin's mission farewells. They are both going to Mexico! Different missions.

• Class of 2006. 5 year reunion. Whoa. Everyone is the exact same. Except married. Or pregnant. Or unmarried and educated , you get my drift, yeah? It was fun enough! I felt really iffy about going for a long time, up until the very moment I walked into the room where it was being held. The thing is, Joe and I already see and hang out with our same group of friends from High School. Most of the people we want to surround ourselves with, we already do. Although I enjoyed seeing so many people I rarely see, it wasn't life changing enough to convince myself to do it again. But we probably will. 5 years from now, I don't have any idea where we'll be, but wherever it is, it'll be better than this. Because it just gets better and better. I am grateful to Bret, Celeste, Christie, and Ariane for helping put this class reunion together. Thanks Ladies!

now here's a cute picture of Joe and I at graduation:

• I totally need to eat Gluten Freely. Only. No other options. But I so often fail to do so, because REAL pasta and REAL bread is the best thing for my taste buddies. Anyway, in the past month I've missed over 20 hours of work because I have been oh so sick, and it is because of Gluten. SO my sweet husband has put his foody foot down and is making me be free of Gluten. I will thank him for it. I do thank him for it. It's just the hardest thing in the world for me. So bring on the gluten free foods, pals!

• Joe's birthday is on the 16Th of this month! I am trying very hard to surprise him and I am not so good at it. We figured out how I can purchase gifts for him online without him knowing about it though. PAYPAL. It's a good idea for someone who shops only at AMAZON. But what about the one gift that won't take Paypal? Shoot. Don't worry though, I'm going to figure it out!

• I was THIS close to closing my blog account last week. I didn't though, clearly, seeing as I'm still here, typing this. I was also the same amount of closeness to closing my pinterest, twitter, facebook, and photography blog. I'm not really sure why, but I was all kinds of sick and tired of networking. Sometimes it feels a little pointless, doesn't it? I don't know. I'm glad Joe told me not to though. (and don't mind me, I definitely say pin interest every time.)

xo.

short story.

2011-07-27T20:42:00.001-06:00

Once upon a time, I left town for a day, leaving this handsome man all alone.

In that short time:

he put together this beautiful heart shaped collage, and hung it on our bedroom wall.

He got me "Just Because" flowers.

in the happiest shade you ever did see.

that was that, and it was on Monday.

what a dream guy.

xo.

just a pretty something.

2011-07-25T21:38:00.001-06:00

sincerely,

me.

heart warming.

2011-07-23T11:31:00.000-06:00

maybe i've been a fan all along.
(or perhaps i'm just hormonal.)

this made my eyes water.

I am thankful.

2011-07-23T10:42:00.005-06:00

It has been awhile since I've written a "thankful list", it's actually quite unfortunate that I never do it anymore. I need to do better at being thankful, though. Or, recognizing my blessings. I feel more overwhelmed with wanting than I ever have in my life, I think I'll go ahead and blame it on pinterest. I sometimes feel guilty because most of what comes out of my mouth is "I want this.." or "I want that.." or "Someday I'm gonna get this.." I'm always looking for ways to look better, to decorate my house better, to have better, to feel better... when really. My life is actually pretty darn near perfect. So I felt a push to write my thankfuls and is there really a better place to do so? Yes. Probably my journal. . . heh.

I'm thankful for:

• My wonderful husband. He is really the most delightful, kind, sweet, loving, handsome man. I am so very lucky and so very blessed to be married to this man forever. Sometimes I still have a hard time wrapping my brain around that. That we're married. That we're in this thing called life, together. That no matter what he'll always be a part of me and I, him. My heart is so full of love for him.

• Our absolutely grand relationship. We have always had the best relationship. We've had ups and downs like every other. But the love we share is so strong, and the amount that we care for each other is running over. Sometimes I get lost in the midst of other peoples relationships, their dramas, their woes, their happy moments, and lately, especially, I've just grasped onto my relationship with Joe, and have been overwhelmed with how truly near perfect it is. We're so happy, and just SO good for each other.

• Our families. I knew that when I got married I'd be marrying Joe's family too, and he'd be marrying mine. A lot of people warned me that "in laws" aren't any fun, most the time. Oh but this is false, you see! I have such a love for my in laws. I cannot even express how I feel for them. I have had such a wonderful time getting to know them and spending time with them. They care for me as if I were their own. And I, them. I could not tell you how much I love my new (to me) nieces and nephews. and my family. I know without them, I'd be no where. I don't know why, but after getting married, I miss my sister more, I feel like she should be up here with me so I can share my wonderful life with her. I love seeing my brother about once a week and hanging out with his sweet and perfectly innocent soul. I love my parents, they are always supporting and loving what Joe and I do. We are so blessed with the families we have.

• Our religion. Going to the temple and enjoying the blessings therein is one of my absolute favorite things on this earth. Feeling so much peace and love and joy in a 2 hour period of time cannot be obtained anywhere else, I believe. Although, I tend to fall asleep during church more often than not, I'm so grateful for it, I'm grateful for the lessons we learn and the opportunities we always have to teach. I'm grateful for Jesus Christ and his atonement for my sins and a loving God, for sending his son to do so. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is so perfect.

• Our Jobs. We are so blessed to have the jobs that we have. Where we get to work together and chat with each other all day long. We're blessed to still be working here and enjoying the company of our friends who also work here. We're blessed to have the supervisors we have.

• Our home. I think it's quite cozy. It's still in process of being decorated, and I think it always will be.. but it is "us" and it is just lovely. We're so comfortable in our home. I love that we don't have to worry about utilities, and that we have a washer and dryer. I love our claw foot tub. I love our air conditioned rooms. I love how small it is. I love that it feels like "home".

• Our landlords. I think we pretty much won the lottery with these guys. Mason and Susan are the nicest and most loving people I've met while living in Northern Utah. They're so friendly and so willing to help. I think they'd do anything they could for anyone, if just asked. They are great!

• Our vehicles. No, they aren't posh, high class, delightful little racecars. But they work wonderfully, get pretty dang good gas mileage, and get us to our destinations with ease. We are also blessed to each have a vehicle. I've realized this more than ever since being married, and having so many newly married friends who only have one car.

• Friends. We have some of the best people in the world to note as friends. It has been with ease that we've introduced the few who weren't already mutual friends, and they've all just been accepting and kind and perfectly grand to us. Our mutual friends have been our friends for YEARS and we're more than thankful to them for always being around. Everyone is getting married or going places with school or making huge life changes, and it is not always the easiest to see our friends, but I'm pretty sure we'll always be there for each other and we'll always have love.

• My wedding rings. K wait, this is pretty materialistic sounding, but I still gaze at the pair everyday for a minute or so at least. They are so beautiful and what they represent is the most beautiful thing in the world! It makes me so happy to know that the small and delicate little pieces of jewelry on my finger are a representation of marriage, that I get to have with me at all times. lovely, eh?

• Art. I have had so much fun compiling art pieces for our home. We've got such an eclectic selection and so many of the pieces were made by friends. I have two friends painting pictures for us and I am SO thrilled to be the recipient of their talents. I am always amazed by all the beauty that surrounds us and so many of the material things are created by the brilliance of the human mind. What we create and how we intake what we see is so different from the next, and art is the best portrayal of that.

• Music. Joe and I have such an extremely opposite taste in music. But gradually, we're joining forces in some of the types we listen to. I'm grateful that we both have such a LOVE for tunes, (even if they're incredibly different genres), that we're open to what each other listens too, and we're always expanding our minds and gaining new tastes. I need to be better at appreciating some of Joe's favorites, though. I am fully fledged converted to Rush though. that's a start.

• Clothing/Style. No, I don't dress how I wish I did, most of the time. I don't own the clothes I wish I had, most of the time. But sometimes I leave the house feeling absolutely confident in what I'm wearing, how my hair is styled, my makeup, etc. and I'm so grateful for those moments. I am grateful we have so many options in attending to our bodies, in expression and inspiration. It's a beautiful thing!

• Peace. Rarely, am I at ease. I'm always on edge and always anxious. I fear it has much to do with my hormones and mental stability. (that makes me sound very much like a crazy person.) But there are moments in my life of complete and utter peace. Like right now for example. Being thankful and noting it surely does much for the soul. I feel so calm and so relaxed and so full of joy right now. I am so thankful that we're able to just fill up with peace and have not a care. Even if it's only for a moment.

• Delicious meals. I love to eat. (it is apparent.) I don't think I've ever said those four words. But being a wife has made me loads more impressed to make a decent meal. I will proudly say that since we've been married, I have not made top ramen, macaroni and cheese, hamburger helper (ick), tuna helper, pasta roni, or any of the like. There was only one time that I made something quite strange, but everything else has resulted in a blissful mouth and delighted tastebuds. I didn't think I had it in me, guys. I'm grateful that I do.

• Our side jobs. Joe's band is finally making money! They've paid off all the instruments and things they purchased to make their band successful. and now that they are, they're making a decent amount each show. I have my photography business. I get at least two jobs a month and that is plenty for me. I am so thankful that we both have the opportunity to make money doing things we love!

• Our hometown. We get to go at least once a month, sometimes twice. and it is the most beautiful place in the world. (that might be a false statement.) But if anyone has ever been to St. George, Utah, you'll know that there is something about that place that just pulls at you. Your heart strings. I feel truly blessed to have been raised in such a glorious place. And I feel so grateful that we get to travel home so often. I pray someday we end up back there.

I think that's it for now, friends. Thanks for letting me unload a little. ☺ Happy Saturday.

xo.

zebra, anyone?

spotify.

2011-07-22T11:47:00.000-06:00

Have you guys ever heard of Spotify?

I don't know too much of the history, but I am aware that it has been in Europe for a long time, and now it's here, in America. It is the coolest thing!. You download it to your computer, and it literally has every song in the world on it. You do a search and you can listen to full albums, for free. It's a lot like Pandora but you get to listen to anything you want. It has some ads, but I haven't found them to be too awful. You can't download the songs or anything like that, but sometimes that's okay! You can just listen, and listen to whole albums, before you buy them!

the decemberists.

2011-07-22T11:42:00.004-06:00

played a free show last night at the Twilight Concert Series in Salt Lake City.

I had been looking forward to going for so long but for some reason I did not want to go yesterday. I wanted to just sit at home and watch 30 Rock and eat junk food and wallow in laziness. BUT. My good husband urged me to change my mind. He knew I had been looking forward to going for so long and pretty much made me go. He said "Well, I'm not going to make you go, Tif, but this is something you've been wanting to do so I don't understand why you don't now." See, totally made me go. Anyway, I am so glad we went. We had such a good talk on the drive there, we arrived, we were immediately surrounded with 30,000 or so people. We found a good spot to stand, and waited only about 10 minutes for The Decemberists to get on stage and be amazing. Somehow, we always find ourselves in the part of the crowd. You may think that isn't a full sentence, but what I mean is; we are always the people that other people walk past to get through the crowd. No matter how close we get to the people in front of us or to the sides of us, we are the part, we are the path. It never fails.

Besides all the marijuana clouds, booze spilled on my toe, and grumpy dudes -who were only there to impress the ladies - complaining about how awful the music was, it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Did I mention how amazing The Decemberists were? Pretty dang.

society6.

2011-07-21T13:02:00.002-06:00

Thank you stumbleupon for leading me right to these guys.

uh, i may have a thing for hot air balloons. does it make me an imposter if i've never been on one?

tifbit tuesday.

2011-07-19T15:46:00.004-06:00

sorry guys, I know I just posted my bits a few days ago. I just don't want to throw anything off.

❥❥ I have blue surprises in my hair. I did it this morning. The box has been sitting in my closet for a few weeks now, just waiting. I was a bit frightened that it would end up dying my entire hair. But it didn't, don't worry about it, I actually didn't dye very thick pieces either, so it's hardly noticeable, mayhaps a waste? Poo. I was really excited about it this morning when I styled my hair though, until my husband came home and didn't even notice. what the!

❥❥ Joe and I are a little into 30 Rock. We started to watch it before we were married, and decided we didn't want to anymore, so we stopped. Then I read Bossypants by Tina Fey and Joe and I listened to it via Audiobook on our trip and I think we might both have a small crush on Tina Fey, because immediately after (when we had netflix available to us again.) we started watching. We're on Season 3, halfway through. Liz Lemon just met the midget at the Brooklyn Bridge. We simply cannot get enough. We love you 30 Rock! p.s. what's with Netflix raising their prices? Not cool guys! Not cool!

❥❥ My mama is coming to stay with us this Friday. I am excited! I get to make her a delicious meal and hang out with her. It'll be grand. Because my mom is grand. and meals are grand. and life is grand.

❥❥ Joe and I went to St.G over the weekend. I know you all know this already, but I'm retelling you. Saturday was so great. We got to see my parents, meet up with my beautiful sister at 25 Main for yummy cupcakes, happenstanced* by the wonderful Hollie and Joe, and hung out with Joe's family. Ultimately it was quite pleasant. I definitely was sick on Sunday though. But I still had a great time and began to be quite addicted to Angry Birds on Joe's moms ipad. I may or may not have played levels 1-20 at work yesterday, via google chrome. It's pretty fantastically frustrating.

❥❥ I am enrolled in an English class and a 35mm Film Photography class this Fall semester. I had originally wanted to take 12 credits. But then I thought about working 40 hours a week. taking 12 credits, having a house to clean, and food to cook, sleep to sleep, life to be had... seeing my husband? I decided that if I wanted to be happy and feel like a normal sane person, I would just take a couple courses so I could do all the things I wanted to do and still feel accomplished and alive. AND I'll get to see my husband. I know I have shown quite the example the past few years of a really crappy student, always bailing on school and stuff, I don't really have to explain myself to anyone... But school is good and good for me, and I'm ready for it, and I'm ready for in this way, not in the wham bam thank you ma'am way, I thought I was. Just in a slow going sort of way.

❥❥ On Sunday I watched two sporting events. The Women's World Cup, and the Boston vs. Tampa Bay baseball game. I feel like I'm in a confessional right now because if you know me at all you know that watching a sporting event is probably the very last thing I'd like to do. As I am confessing I might as well tell you I really really loved watching these events. The soccer game was a rush, and it probably helped that we were all cheering on America. The Boston vs. Tampa Bay game was mostly a failure type game, it had 16 innings and zero points up until the very end. Real baseball games have 9 innings. I learned this on Sunday. It was fun for me to watch because I was on edge each time the possibility of a score happened. Eventually it did, and I was in bed.. but anyway. Confessional over.

❥❥ I am a good cook. I have never cooked anything before I got married. But everything I make just tastes so good. I am also good at baking. I am patting myself on the back for this because I never thought I'd ever say so. I am pretty sure Joe agrees. I sure hope he does or this would be quite the awful back pat.

enough is enough.

xo.

* i made this word up.
p.s. cell phone pictures are never ideal. if you were wondering.

tifbit tuesday on a saturday? you bet!

2011-07-16T10:46:00.002-06:00

Hello friends. I have sort of dropped out of the blogging world a bit. I have gone on hiatus from Facebook, and I try to not text as much. I'm not sure why but I've been drained a little from all this. Sometimes I get into a social networking funk, where I just hate it all. I don't use the word hate that much either. I thought I'd post something so you're all aware of my existence. You're welcome.

- I find it nearly impossible not to read what is on the back of the bottles in the shower, while I'm showering. No matter where I'm showering, and how many times I've read it, I always read about what I'm putting on my body. So this is for the dear makers of the products I use, don't you worry, one of us reads what you have to say. I should probably get one of those shower curtains with words all over it, in french or something, so I'm at least educating myself. Oh and also, every time I get in the shower I think of putting this on my tifbit. I found it very insightful, friends, and isn't it just so appropriate that I think of blogging while I'm showering?

- I haven't worn make up for over a week now and probably haven't shaved my legs in that long either. I'm telling you this so you will think I'm disgusting and awful at being a woman. Jk. I am just pretty lazy this week, does it take you ladies like 10 minutes to shave your legs? It's like the worst for me. And I just haven't felt like wearing make up. Good thing my husband thinks I'm beautiful and purposely rubs my legs to tell me how smooth they are. (Good joke husband.)

(off the shower topic.)

- Sometimes I feel like I've almost convinced Joe to start a blog. and then he says no. shoot.

- I don't advertise my photography business at all. And yet, I always have jobs. It's a blessing. If you're wondering why I don't advertise it, I'm not sure. I even went to the trouble of having over 1,000 fans on my Tif Photography Facebook page, and deleting it. I'm kind of a strange person. I suppose. But I'm looking forward to the jobs I have this month, and I love doing them. ☺

- We're going to ST.G after work today to say "See ya later" to Joe's brother Tyler and his cute family, as they are moving to Germany for the next couple years while Tyler finishes up his dissertation on German Literature. Or something like that. I'm sad to see them go! But maybe we'll get rich and venture for a visit...

- Dear Elder Winn, I bought your belt at Deseret Industries and I wear it almost every day. It's a nice brown leather thing and it fits me quite nicely. Your name is pressed right inside. If you miss it and want it back, I guess you can have it. Just let me know.

- I can't really think of anything else. Maybe that's why I've been avoiding you. . .

jk. I'm not really avoiding you.

xo.

music by friends.

2011-07-13T08:35:00.000-06:00

hey guys. my friend Lyndy just released this music video. I highly suggest you watch it. You will maybe fall in love a little. She's the sweetest and oh so talented, and it's been fun to watch her grow. She has a page on facebook, if you want to follow her most recent happenings, I suggest you go here! Give her your support!
☺

washington (words only.)

2011-07-11T19:48:00.010-06:00

Hey guys! We're back (and have been, for a few days...)

I'm just going to sum up our trip a bit for you. It was AMAZING. and quite perfect, really.

We:

drove 2,537 miles total.
spent time with three adorable little kids and their parents too.
ate gelato for the first time.
ate macaroons for the first time (and by golly, i just didn't fancy them that much... am i still allowed to blog?)
went up the space needle.
went down the space needle.
took a ferry to bainbridge island.
took a ferry from bainbridge island.
ate the best mac and cheese in the world at Beechers.
walked tons and tons and tons.
wore in my rope sandals.
shopped in walla walla.
visited leavenworth. a bavarian village in the mountains.
ate and purchased tons of ritter sport.
melted a little when it was hot.
picnicked in the park with squirrels. and people too.
sunburned.
listened to two books on tape.
bbq'd.
stayed in The Moore hotel. it's super old by the way.
shopped in seattle.
went to record and antique stores!
got on a swing for the first time in ages.
decided we were going to be one of those couples who collects magnets from their travels. we bought three.
slept.. SO good.
ate SO much.
paid a lot of money to park our car.
saw Rush at the Gorge Amphitheater.
saw lots of men with out shirts, dancing to Rush.
saw lots of women without shirts, hanging out with the guys without shirts, dancing to Rush.
spent good time with family. and the cutest kids in the world. i know i already mentioned them.
used public restrooms a lot.
ate magnum ice cream twice.
didn't even try fish or sushi. (it seems like that'd be the thing to do if in Seattle, near the fish market.)
saw fireworks over the lake.
hung out at gasworks park for 5 hours in the same spot waiting for the fireworks.
saw the best fireworks we've ever seen, ever.
played in toy stores with the cutest kids in the world. (oh wait, did i mention them yet? ;) )
played uno for an hour.
saw and smelled the gum wall. (yum. psych, gross. but very cool.)
hung out at pikes place for hours.
met a rapper and bought his cd for my brother B Rad.
went to church.
saw the boise and bellevue temples from afar.
saw a giant robot man walking around gasworks park. he was a hit.
met a man named Leo and his wife Linda and their dog Eddie.
saw lots of really creepy windmills.
were underwhelmed by most of the scenery on the drive to and from Washington state.
picked 23lbs of blueberries between 6 adults and 2 children.
(all of this is out of order.)

if i can think of anything else. i'll promise to add it. and in a different color. so if you already read it, it'll really pop! ☺

it's good to be home! but i'm aching to venture somewhere again. and i would be just fine, if it were right back to Washington! I loved it there!

washington (pictures only.)

2011-07-11T19:37:00.001-06:00

my husband is a plankster.

2011-07-08T12:48:00.002-06:00

bye! see ya in a week!

2011-06-30T08:45:00.002-06:00

is it profound? i'm not sure. but here.

2011-06-29T10:19:00.005-06:00

Meeting a famous person isn't any better than meeting someone who is really really talented at something. It might even be worse.

I get it. Everyone wants to meet someone they've seen on the big screen or heard play amazing music their whole lives. Or! Even a Sports God. Everyone wants to meet someone who has done something. Something big.

I remember once, when in NYC, I saw Gerard Butler ride his bicycle past me, with body guards right behind. I think about that situation a lot. My cameras batteries died right before, as I was snapping away pics of the great Statue of Liberty. I turned around and there he was, I went to take a pic, couldn't, looked up, he was gone. Bam.

How cool would it be to have a picture of Gerard Butler?

not really that cool.
(what would I even do with it?)

My story isn't even that cool.

I always get a kick out of going to concerts and hearing my favorite bands perform live, and seeing that they are indeed real. But I never have really had the desire to go up and shake their hand. Why would I? They're humans who have made it big. But they're humans. They wouldn't remember me anyway. And the only memory I'd have was that I shook their hand. And we create those memories to tell other people about them.

and everyone wants to be the person who gets to say:
"I was there!"
"I met them!"
"I met her and she was a complete jerk."

do you understand?

I think what I'm trying to say is, I'd much rather meet someone in my community who has made a difference or made a quilt, (you get my drift), because I know they'd care. Not only would I know they'd care, but I'd have the opportunity to ask them to teach me how. And they would teach me. This might be quite the broad thought for a lot of people and probably not make much sense to any other. But to me it's perfectly clear. A famous person is almost always someone who has an extreme amount of talent. Or who doesn't at all and just made it big because of wealth, class, whatnot.

I remember watching a documentary of RUSH with my husband. Neil Peart, the AMAZING drummer, made a remark that he doesn't like to meet fans. because they kinda creep him out. He just wants to play music. I like that he is real enough to say this, and he doesn't really ever meet fans. It's not his thing. SO let it be! I think appreciating an artist isn't aiming to meet them, it's supporting their endeavors.

I think we should seek out those we know and those in our community who have talent and aim to meet them. Get your picture taken with them. Become their friend. And KNOW that for sure, they care about you too. Because I bet they would.

besides, what are you going to do with that book of autographs anyway? sell it, eventually.

xo.

tifbit tuesday.

2011-06-28T18:21:00.004-06:00

- handsome husband and I are planning our to do: to eat: and to see: lists for our upcoming trip. i'm very excited, but a little nervous? it's leaving a gargle in my throat. just nervous because we don't really know where we're going. good thing we have a TomTom, hopefully he doesn't lead us astray.

- I've decided that blogging, facebooking, and pinning, have resulted in me WANTING more than ever. and feeling sad, too. because most the time, I know i'll never have, never make, or never DO all the things I'd like. because, quite frankly, it wouldn't be possible. every time I realize all of this, I think, I should just quit looking and clicking and browsing. period. but have I? oh no, not hardly.

- I finished my book yesterday and felt a genuine sadness come about me. oh dear! I felt like it was a part of me! and now it's over.

- last night Joe and I visited a local venue {The Velour} with a couple friends (thanks for inviting us Mase and Linds). we saw some awesome music videos that were made but a local company. The Occidental Saloon.

Neon Trees "Animal" from The Occidental Saloon on Vimeo.

Imagine Dragons "It's Time" from The Occidental Saloon on Vimeo.

Fictionist "Still Reaching" from The Occidental Saloon on Vimeo.

you might recognize Fictionist and Neon Trees. already. but I wanted to introduce you to Imagine Dragons. The middle video. That song made my heart happy and put a grin on my face. The coolest thing to me is most of these band members are locales from Utah County. It's so fun to know there is so much talent lurking about. (I just learned Imagine Dragons is from Las Vegas) If you'd like to see more, go to that website listed above. There's a Joshua James video listed above, too! After viewing these videos we heard one song from The Archers Apple and one song from Joshua James.

- Sometimes I really fail at being grammatically correct. I always forget or fail to capitalize my i's. I's. and then I want to go back through and make it better, so I start to and I get so frustrated with myself I give up. HA! amazing.

- how'd you like the profound thought post? I have a few more. Should I go ahead with it?

- I hope you're all following my sisters blog, because she's quite the incredible woman.

- Husband and I are gym goers as of Monday last week. I'm really excited about it, but I'm not sure the best way to work out. I would love it if anyone had suggestions. I don't want to be a body builder, I just want to be in shape. and toned a tad in the arm area. suggestions are my favorite in areas like this.

xo.

glasses faces.

2011-06-28T11:44:00.001-06:00

tell her why you're awesome.

2011-06-27T14:55:00.001-06:00

hey friendy pals.

my sister wants to know why you're awesome!
and SO do I!

go here and read this: and tell her [and me]!

Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies! (Yum!)

2011-06-26T15:45:00.004-06:00

I just made the yummiest gluten free cookies (and took this picture, thank you).

They were so easy I had to share!

recipe from here

FLOURLESS PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup white sugar

1 tsp. baking powder

1 egg

preheat oven 350°

cream the pb and sugar in a bowl.

beat in baking powder, add egg, mix until well combined

roll into balls (the smaller the better) and roll in white sugar

put on sheet lined with parchment paper

bake about 10 minutes.

cool on cookie sheet for at least five minutes.

makes anywhere from 12-21 cookies.

(It probably depends on the size you roll the balls into. most of mine were pretty medium sized and it made 21.)

I'm about to go try them dipped in Nutella.

Zooey Deschanel suggested this mixture for a topping.

I didn't have honey or cocoa! But I bet it's great.

(I say this as if we are friends, we're not or anything. Really I just follow her blog.)

UPDATE:

I made these again this morning and put my own frosting on them!

1 1/2 cup chocolate chips

3 heaping spoonfuls of powdered sugar

microwave 1 minute stir

microwave 1 more minute stir

walah. yum.

enjoy! and happy Sunday, of course!

i want to show you a picture of my mom.

2011-06-25T12:15:00.003-06:00

the silly thing is. i think her aim was to be"funny."

but I think she just looks fantastic/gorgeous/awesome/beautiful

doesn't she have knock out smile!? totally.

my mama is a photographer, and whenever she takes her people out she makes them put on wigs and dress ups at the end of her shoot. for fun. she is sincerely the most one-of-a-kind person you will ever meet, and if you have the chance to meet her, your life is sincerely blessed. she radiates beauty and glows with a warmth and welcome you'll never quite understand until you've been in her presence.

she's the best.

blogs I'd follow if I were you. ( no.2 )

2011-06-23T10:14:00.002-06:00

It seemed as though highlighting a few blogs was good for some people. I'll do it again this week. Seeing as I'm always reading new blogs and enjoying the poo out of them!

People I know, personally, that you should know too:
(all images were taken from facebook)

Natalie. Is my beautiful sister. She's had a blog for quite sometime but just barely started posting a little more here and there. I promise you that whenever she posts something you will be delighted. She has been the source of so much of my inspiration and so much of who I am today. She's got great taste in everything that needs to be noted as taste-worthy and I love her very much. Check out: Receipt Scribble

Chelsea. Everything is "Perfect in her mind". As she is the most optimistic little ball of sass and class I have ever met. I remember the first time I really talked to her was when she was in my ward. I mean, really talked. She told our bishop he sparkled. Or something to that effect. I pretty much knew I'd want to be around her since then. Too bad I've never really had the chance! I did get to get to capture her engagement photos though. That was a blessing! She is quite the beauty, and I promise you'll enjoy her writings as much as I do! She'll tell it like it is. Or like it isn't. Magic. Check out: Perfect In My Mind

Kels is full of wit. quick wit and dry humor. She is artsy. She knows what looks good and what doesn't look good. SHE always looks amazing, by the way. We were roommates for a few months. We actually got to know each other via gmail/facebook chat. She's the reason I work where I work, and she's actually one of my supervisors now! I adore her. You will too. Check out: DK COUNTRY

Courtney hasn't been part of the blogging world for very long. But she sure knows how to pick up followers. She always posts heartfelt love stories and meaningful moments, mostly between she and her husband. I believe her purpose for her blog is to print it into a book and keep it as a journal. She is good enough to share her world with us. She's also the girl who does my hair. She's quite the pleasure, friends. You'll love her, I'm sure. Check out: From Here to Eternity

Oh and we must not forget Erwin. He is the master of music and is around to tell everyone about the latest and greatest, and sometimes the worst music. We work together and we have so much of the same tastes in tunage! He's funny and clever and if you like music at all and are always wondering what to listen to next, check out: (you won't be sorry) eCatalogue

and lastly.
Remember Maskcara from last week? She told everyone to wear pink lipstick. I've owned some for quite sometime but wasn't really ever ballsy enough. (and p.s. i hate lipstick.) I actually did last week and keep just reapplying. I can't get enough. want to see?

welp. that's that.

Read.

2011-06-22T11:14:00.005-06:00

Lately, I've been carousing some new blogs and a lot of them have mentioned their Summer Reads. It made me want to hear all about your favorite books and what you're currently reading! I am a bit of a copy cat, I suppose.. but I have readers that aren't your readers and vice versa! This is going to be good for everyone! ☺

I'm still reading The Elegance of The Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. I seriously could be done by now, but I don't want to be. It's too good to just end.

SOME of my favorite books are:

The History of Love by Nicole Krauss

Extremely Loud and Incredibly close by Jonathan Safran Foer

p.s. Nicole Krauss and Jonathan Safran Foer are married to each other.
p.p.s. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close comes out next year in film form, starring Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock.
p.p.p.s. Jonathan Foer wrote "Everything is Illuminated".

The Curious Incident of The Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Memory and Dream by Charles De Lint

I have dozens more! Of course! I just don't want to overload you.

What are your favorite books?

oh and! this website is really cool if you've just finished a book and want to know what is similar or written by the same author. http://bookseer.com TRY IT.

tifbit. profound thoughts. a new take for today.

2011-06-21T16:32:00.004-06:00

♦ I believe that every person in this whole world is attractive. Seriously, I do. I'm not saying I am attracted to every woman and man. I'm saying, I believe that people are beautiful. and no matter what and who you are, someone else will think so too. God created us in his likeness, and I have no doubt in my mind that God is an attractive man (please do not think it blasphemous). We all look so different. But we are all humans. We are all blessed with that ONE truth. If you look at a person and your first thought is "whoa, that guy is ugly!" or "holy cow look at that HUGE forehead!" "or what IS that nose?" you are not thinking with the mindset you need to be thinking with. Yes, I am so bold to make that statement. I promise it has taken me years to develop the mindset I have now. I'm not being prideful, either, I just want to tell you, it's so much easier to compliment someone than to tear someone down. And it truly is such a beautiful thing when you see someone and the very first thought you think is something positive about them. In my eyes, we are all attractive. We all have that ONE defining feature or that AWESOME body or that exotic face. We have that silky smooth hair or those huge lashes or those perfect ears! We all have something. So seek it out, shall we?

♦ I bet we all like to look into each others houses. I promise you won't find me peering. But when I am invited in, I'll take the leap. Or when I drive past and see a light on in a front room, I look! I just do. It is one of the most fascinating things in the world to me, to see how someone else lives. What they deem comfortable. What they deem stylish. What they deem good enough for their sanctuary. I'd much rather come to your home than meet you anywhere else. I want you to come to mine too. You'll never learn so much about a person as you will in their home. Truth.

♦ Nothing is larger than life (except God). There are so many times when I hear people say "It's larger than life!". It has taken me awhile to really ponder that. Objects can be taller than a person. So if you're thinking of it that way, it's larger in mass and such. But nothing is larger than a persons life. Meaning: you cannot put a size on your life and deem it smaller. Your life is simply the biggest, most wonderful, most demanding, and most meaningful thing in this entire world. Nothing on this earth can compare to that or exceed it.

that should do.
xo.

did you see that girl dancing at the bus stop? she was all by herself.

2011-06-20T18:29:00.001-06:00

It made me giggle a little.

Watching a grown woman, wearing what looked like a scrub top and bottom, with a lanyard... (sure to have some sort of medical occupation) dancing at the bus stop this afternoon. Ear buds in ear. No, don't get me wrong. I wasn't giggling AT her. I was giggling because it filled me full of joy. Her hands were up in the air, moving to the beat playing in her ears. She even did a spin of sorts. She had one hundred percent embraced the saying "Dance like no one's watching."

It reminds me of the little girl who was shaking her booty on stage with my husbands band not too long ago, they preformed a free concert at Covey Center for the Arts. It was for lunchtime, and the weather was bad. So every one put out their blankets and joined the band on stage. There was one boy who kept spinning, never getting dizzy. and one little tiny girl, who had her hands in the air and her booty swinging from side to side. She had absolutely more rhythm then I had ever experienced, myself. I was a little tiny jealous. ☺

I guess what I'm getting at is... why am I not more like the people who dance like no one's watching, or the little kids who really have no idea what it's like to be "judged". I think I'm so fearful of what people think I just forget to find joy in little things like this. If I pretended like every person around me couldn't see me, OR I knew that no matter what, whatever they think, they'll think, and regardless, I'm free to just BE and not care...

Instead of just giggling and grinning I'd join. wouldn't I?

Next time I am going to dance like no one is watching. and I'm going to embrace the inner child.

and you'll be the one giggling.

{image source}

p.s. I believe in some self reservation. due to self respect and what not. hah.

best thing.

2011-06-18T20:04:00.000-06:00

if you noticed, we used "yarn balls" as part of our decor.
the greatest woman in the world, my Mama, rolled all of those balls. and hand-sewed them so they wouldn't unravel there were dozens. all sizes!

and THEN she took all the yarn home. un-sewed them, and made THIS for us:

isn't it beautiful? I cannot wait to have it in our home!

thanks Mama.

Our Reception.

2011-06-18T19:53:00.002-06:00

{all photographs taken by Andi Watkins}

We are so grateful to Andi for capturing our day so perfectly. It was a dream!

(definitely click each image to see it bigger, they're SO good.)

we're going a little trip at the end of the month.

2011-06-17T10:47:00.006-06:00

SEATTLE

does anyone have any "must-see" places to visit?

suggestions on where to eat?

cheap hotels they've stayed in?

we'd love to hear it.

{image source}

p.s. we're driving from Salt Lake to Seattle. So if you know that drive, and have any awesome MUST STOP kinda places in between we want to hear about those, too!

blogs I'd follow if I were you.

2011-06-16T09:24:00.003-06:00

I just want to share with you.

A place to go if you're looking for rich text. (not referring to html). Depth. Movie insight. Art. Beauty. This is my friend Beau's blog. Beau is a great man and a great writer. (I fear he doesn't credit himself enough for either.) Personally, I'm always quite drawn to a blog written by a man. Because they are rare and usually quite good. This one is exceptional. He's just started posting more often, too. Le Beau Monde

Maria Maria. She hardly ever posts. But when she does, you'll be enlightened. She is an artist and passionate about what she does. She has great style, in writing, and attire. She'll tell you exactly how she feels. and her thoughts always provoke. This is good guys. Really really good. Jane of All Trades

PLEASE tell me you're already a fan of Color Me Katie. She is pure happiness. If you aren't following her you have no excuse. Oh to just be in her presence for a day would be all the enlightenment and joy I'd need for a year! Magic. Color Me Katie

This woman is an artist. She created this blog to give all of us ladies her secrets on how to apply and wear make up and how to get fantastic hair. This week, she even has a recipe for the perfect lip gloss. Yeah, a recipe. to make. She does make overs for deserving people, too. Besides all of that, she is probably one of the most stunning women out there. Seriously. MaskCara

that's all for now. Perhaps I'll highlight your blog next time.