SEAT BELTS EVERYONE!

Throwback to The Magic School Bus! How long has it been?

Watching this gives me nostalgia for a simpler time... Eating goldfish, watching cartoons, living life in fantasy.

Everyone who is anyone watched this show and can sing along to the theme song.

Moms Piggies.

Hello mommies. This is for you.

I am not going to stand here on my soapbox and say I know everything about style and have the right to judge, but when it comes to something as HEINOUS as this... I do. I see it as a lesson more than a hot-seat smack-down.

I am just going to say it plain and simple... PIGTAILS ARE NOT FOR MOMMIES. They are for your darling little girls. And if you don't have any girls, adopt. Do not put yourself through this public humiliation, sweetie. It's classless, tacky, and childish.

I found this picture of a lady on a blog and even she knows it's wrong. She didn't want to be seen, so she blacked out her eyes.

If you're super into pigtails, hopefully your husband likes them as well, and in that case you can save it for the accepting walls of your home. Otherwise, ixnay the pigtails ladies.

That's all.

Good Stories and Children.

Movie that made me cry #5: The Help

The crying movie list just keeps on getting bigger. Kami told me recently that she thinks I'm turning into a softie again... Which may not be such a bad thing.

This movie was wonderful. As my mom said, "That is the best wholesome movie I have seen in a long time." ...and I completely agree.

I am one of those people that can't read the book after I watch the movie. It's like all I can picture is the people in the movie. Therefore my mind goes berserk and my imagination crumbles to pieces. I am really wishing I had read the book first right about now..................

Snowbird Secrets.

So this one time, I went to Snowbird with Courtney Holmes, Kami Rosen, Kortni Roney, Kyler Roney, Stehly Reden, and Colby Jorgensen. The night we got there, time was passing slowly, so someone had the idea to start watching YouTube videos, like any young adult would. THANK HEAVENS we didn't have anything else to do, or I would not have found my favorite video slash song. "The Duck Song" is now on my iPod, and I enjoy singing along with it in the car. When I really listen to the words, and think of the magnificent video... I giggle to myself. If you are completely clueless right now and want to join the club of waddles and grapes, please press play below.

I am obsessed.

Vegas baby.

I just recently returned from a girls trip to the one and only Las Vegas. While most people are gambling, getting drunk, or smoking cigs like they're candy... this is what a group of 5 mormon girls do..

I'm Going Ape.

Guess what ya'll??? I'm a nerd. Or at least that's what my brother, John, classified me as the second I stepped into the midnight showing of The Rise of the Planet of the Apes. But if that's nerdiness... BRING IT ON. That movie is amazing. If you've ever been to a midnight showing, you know you always worry about possibly falling asleep and fighting it the whole time. That was me tonight... worrying about the possibility. I had no reason to be such a worry wart.... because I was completely awake and attentive the entire time. Want to know why? I'll tell you.

1. I was utterly amazed at how a movie could make you fall in love with a chimp and care about it as you would a person. As my dad would say, "Who needs actors anymore? You can feel the same thing for a computerized animal."

2. The profound idea of apes literally taking over the planet flooded my brain. What if... what if... what if...

3. I went home wanting a chimpanzee as a pet... Preferably one with the name Caesar. I told my daddy and he told me wild tales about chimps ripping their owners faces off. Way to put a downer on that idea.

4. The storyline is captivating and actually explains how the apes got in a position to take over the world... Good thing hollywood is now answering that 43 year old question.

5. James Franco is beautiful.

Summer Day.

So you know how I'm working for my mom this summer? Well if you didn't, I am. It has been a FANTASTIC job... except for when it comes up in conversation and they ask me where I'm working. When I say for my mom, it sounds like a complete cop-out, like I'm just saying it and I know what they are thinking... there is NO way she buckles down and actually works. She probably just says that. The thing is, I have worked for my mom almost every day this summer. But when I wake up on days like today when my mom has meetings until 3 in the afternoon, I have to find ways to entertain myself until she's done. Today I dove into a new job: Hunting down affordable materials and making bracelets. I am so pleased with the results.

I LOVE THE INTERNET!

It is the best thing that has ever happened to my craft-obsessed self.

I got these wonderful ideas from Pinterest, which then linked me to another website. I love them so much that I am going to provide the link so you can make them on your own!

Ball and chain bracelet

Twine hex nut bracelet

Daddy.

Today I have been rocking out to Haley Reinhart's version of "Bennie and the Jets." I was dancing and singing around the kitchen (if you don't believe me, ask my mom) during its third time on repeat when I thought to myself, "Who are Bennie and the Jets?" So naturally, I called upon my dad, as I normally do when puzzling questions arise.

I popped my head into his den and said, "Dad, who are Bennie and the Jets?"

He sang back to me, "Ba ba ba ba ba Bennie and the Jets!!! Elton John."

I said, "No dad, I know that Elton John sings the song... but who ARE Bennie and the Jets?"

My dad then replied, "Ohhhhh. Hahaha. Well no one knows that! He was probably on drugs when he came up with that."

Thanks dad.

Click here to hear Haley Reinhart's version of "Bennie and the Jets"

Scrumptious.

There's nothing like the taste of a mint chocolate chip ice cream cone on a hot summer day. If you are as obsessed with the mint chocolate chip flavor as I am, I am about to tell you a BIG secret...

BYU creamery sells the best mint chocolate chip ice cream you have ever tasted.

It is creamy with the perfect amount of mint flavoring, and the correct dose of impeccably sized chips. Once you are addicted, I might tell you I feel bad... but I really won't.

Absurd, Nonsensical, Devotion

Hello there readers-who-have-absolutely-nothing-to-do-so-you're-reading-my-blog. Don't worry, I am not under the impression that I am some amazing writer that everyone is dying to know what eloquently written material I will share with the world next... I am just a girl from Provo, Utah.

Today I am expressing my joy of the new movie (maybe you know what it is from my more intelligent title...) Stupid, Crazy, Love. You can only bring it up in so many conversations to your friends before they get bugged... so naturally I hit up the internet next. If you have not seen it... DO NOT... I repeat, DO NOT read this. GO TO THE NEXT SHOWING RIGHT NOW... and then come back.

This movie is AMAZING. Yeah, it's got its faults... A couple dirty and unnecessary relationships and/or scenes, but it pleasantly surprised me from what I thought I was getting into when I sat on the cold, leather movie theater seat. Kind of like the movie Click... (anyone see that movie besides me?) Don't judge a movie by the trailer ya'll.

I don't think I have ever felt so many emotions in one film. This movie will get you giggling uncontrollably, just like the handsome Ryan Gosling in the photo above. There are times I was crying from laughter because I didn't think the characters could get any more intertwined and complicated. Yet, there were times when my heart melted and wanted nothing more than the perfect happily ever after for everyone.

Among the common misconceptions of families and casualness of premarital sex, this movie sets out to teach a huge lesson. I love the fact that hot shot Jacob (Ryan Gosling) thinks he is everything and a bag of chips and ultimately gets taught a lesson by Mr. Sad-Sack-Divorced Weaver (Steve Carell). It's because in the end, endless women and one-night-stands does not bring one happiness. It's the commitment to one person that will change someone forever.

"I should have fought for you."

Jacob (Ryan Gosling) refers to "the one" as "the game changer." Jacob (Ryan Gosling) and Hannah's (Emma Stone) relationship is one I envy. I can't wait to be someone's game changer. She was his exception, the one who picked up the game board and threw it to the ground... and stomped on it. Goodbye player, hello committed lover.

"I'm in love with her and I don't know what to do about it."

One element of this movie that kills me, is that Hannah ends up being Mr. and Mrs. Weaver's daughter. What. A. Twist. It shows Mr. Weaver's (Steve Carell) true commitment and devotion as a father when he tells Jacob (Ryan Gosling) he will never be good enough for his daughter and will never give him his approval. You think he would be so excited that his new friend that got him back up on the dating horse would become a part of the fam, but he knows what's right and what his daughter deserves. And a womanizer is not the right match. Luckily Mr. Weaver (Steve Carell) finds out that Jacob (Ryan Gosling) is forever a changed man and gives him a chance.

"She's your soulmate, right? Go get her back!"

"Wow, how old are you?"

Okay, so I know I sound like some mushy-gushy hopeless romantic right now, but it's fine. Want to know why? Because this movie is that good. Get off your butt and go see it. Need a friend to go with? Call me up.

I'm already planning my second trip to the theater now.

Unsubtle.

I watch the cliche of a show called Pretty Little Liars. Yes, I am aware that the title is Pretty Little Liars... cheesy within itself. I'm sure this television show was made to bring in tween girls that get caught up in the drama, but when you are in the same stage of life as me... your life could use a little drama. Therefore, my girlfriends and I cuddle up on the couch every Tuesday night and bask in the lives of four high school girls. We are jealous of Aria for her relationship with the beautiful Ezra... We get mad at Caleb, but secretly wish he and Hannah would just make out already.... And we patiently wait every week to find out who the mysterious A is.

But enough about the show, this post is not about the show as a whole. This is about Season 2, Episode 7. Specifically the scene with Toby and Spencer. Toby has turned into a great guy and an asset to the show, but this scene just KILLED me. You can't believe how many times I have replayed this scene. This is either some of the worst acting I have ever seen or the best because it's so awkward and life like.

"I'm kind of sweaty..." (awkward giggle)

I can't stop laughing.

Still laughing.

STILL.

Cry baby, cry baby, cry.

I am known as cold hearted among my emotional friends.

When I see something terribly sad I feel the correct emotions, but my tear ducts don't bring forth the water to prove it.

I can count on one hand how many movies have made me cry: Charly, Tru Confessions (a Disney Channel Original Movie), A Walk to Remember, and Titanic.

Yet, EVERY TIME I sit down to watch Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition, I cry. I cry lots. It is not normal. But to see these obese people fight and struggle with their weight, but then overcome this hurdle in their life is incredibly touching.

If it can bring water to my eyes every episode, I can guarantee you will enjoy it.

That's a promise.

127 Hours. 5 Days.

127 Hours.

That is 5 days and 7 hours. Without food, and very little water.

A person can live up to 4 to 6 weeks without food, but it is a MIRACLE to live a week without water. Can you believe it... 4 to 6 weeks without food? We miss one meal and we think we are going to die.

I don't even get it. My mind is blown when I even think about it. I could NEVER live through it. I have never seen so much determination and strength in one human.

Hats off to Aron Ralston.

Watch this 6:36 video of Aron describing the amputation. It's worth it.

The Spying Game.

Spying.

Why is it a passion of mine?

Spying is when you watch people without them knowing, and they are doing something they'd rather not have you see.

When you put it that way, how creepy am I?

I don't know what it is, but there is something HILARIOUS about people not knowing that you are watching them. Like I said before, if they could choose, they'd probably rather not have you seeing what they are doing... or else it would not be spying. I mean, we got to keep it interesting people.

Last night I ditched my shoes at the car and walked barefoot on rocks to the location where the goodies were taking place. My clothes happened to be all black in color (because I am always prepared) and I perfectly blended in with the night. We crept stealthily through some trees and bushes until we reached our destination.

I don't know what it is about needing to be quiet and the uncontrollable laughter that arises. We laughed all the way home and we found the situation to be unbearably ludicrous.

It may not be spying when you tell your victims what you did because you can't keep it to yourself, but that just calls for unforgettable memories.

Call me what you want: peeping Tom, personal surveillance camera, annoying little sibling, secret follower, detective...

...BUT I love spying and I don't care who knows it!!!!!!!!

It's just that time...

Garage Sale. Yard Sale. Call it whatever you want...

Erica and I have spent our entire summer cleaning out our parents' house, and today we got a taste of the real life of an avid garage sale goer.

I don't know how these people do it. Honestly.

We advertised for our massive garage sale through many modems: Facebook, KSL, Newspaper, and the trusty old signs. Through every advertisement, we put the same time on ALL of them... It starts at 8 a.m. But guess what? That doesn't stop an avid garage sale goer. What time did they arrive? Oh just 6:30 a.m... while we were still trying to set up our items. I have some advice... If you choose to disregard the signs and come at whatever time you please, at least do us the courtesy of peacefully browsing through the items and seeing what's available instead of asking us prices of items that WOULD have signs and prices marked if they would just come at the RIGHT TIME. I already woke up at 5:45 this morning... I'm not going to make it 4:00 a.m. so you can come two hours early and it will all be set out. That's not how the game works.

An avid garage sale goer also decides our already basically nothing prices are too high and bargains to half the price. Not only are the things we are selling nice, but we also deserve a little money for the hard work... Throwing a garage sale is NOT EASY. Not easy. I learned something new about myself today... I do not have the personality to sit and bargain with customers... Just take it for whatever you want and GO AWAY!!! I'll deal with the next customer, thank you very much.

I especially love the people that come and cannot resist the absolute junk. And by junk I mean stuff I would be tempted to throw away. We all know there are these type of people out there... and they make the world go round. Kudos to you.

Today we had a man willing to pay "big money" for any real gold jewelry. He flashed us his fat wad of 20's just to prove to us that he was serious. Normally I would just laugh at this guy, but secretly I was wishing we had some gold to sell...

I saw a man with a winged mustache... Did I want to adopt him as my grandpa? Yes, of course.

Was the garage sale worth it? Yes.

Can't wait for round 2 tomorrow.

If you like mint chocolate chip flavor...

If you like mint chocolate chip ice cream, boy, do I have a treat for you.

They may look weird, but take one bite and you'll fall in love.

They are perfect to serve with mint chocolate chip ice cream for a fun cookie sandwich dessert.

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

INGREDIENTS: 1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon mint extract
6 to 8 drops green food color
1 egg
1 cup creme de menthe baking chips
1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks

DIRECTIONS:
1. Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, butter, extract, food color and egg until soft dough forms. Stir in creme de menthe baking chips and chocolate chunks.
2. Using small cookie scoop or teaspoon, drop dough 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Cool 3 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.
Serve warm or cool completely. Store tightly covered at room temperature.

A big thank you to Elizabeth for posting this recipe online.

Make them... NOW.

Spice up your life.

I've come to you today with the best little-known smartphone secret.

Have you ever wished you had a nice camera with a fisheye lens, or maybe just a wide angle lens to get more area in the picture? GOOD NEWS. You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on a new camera, why not work with the one you've got on your genius smartphone?

Kudos to photojojo.com for selling this amazing product. Mine came in the mail yesterday and I'm already obsessed.

This is the example of the wide angle lens. I am standing in the exact same spot, one with the lens and one without. Notice how much more of my room I was able to get in the second picture with the lens: Complete dresser and left wall, right side headboard, full door and upper wall in the center.
This is an example of the fisheye lens. This adds a little bit more into the screen, but mostly just adds a fun, retro style to the picture. Instead of buying another camera, or spending countless hours on Photoshop, this tiny lens brings the fun right to your phone.

These fun lenses just made the smartphone even smarter.

Single Wide Angle Lens: $20

Single Fisheye Lens: $25

Together: $40

Trust me, it's worth it.

Craft Time.

Hello friends. I am back. I don't know how long this will last, but I'm going to give it a whirl.

The internet is some crazy stuff... I could just sit on my butt all day and do absolutely nothing, but be completely content and entertained while convincing myself that I am doing something productive. Like I said, crazy. There is this one website in particular... Maybe you've heard of it... The name is Pinterest.

I have this problem... You see, as I scroll down the page, my eyes cling to the pictures of things I desperately NEED, AKA can't live without. I don't know what qualifies something to be filed in the category of "need", but I can just feel it.

Most people have this problem in a completely different way than I do. They see a picture of something they LOVE and their first question is "where can I get this?" My weakness: DIY. Yes, I got that right... I did say DIY. For those who are craft-impaired this little acronym stands for Do It Yourself.

I see a tutorial online and from that moment on I turn into a predator searching for its prey. It's like a hunger that cannot be satisfied until it is complete.

I took a stab at two major projects this week. The thing with DIYs is you never really know if you're going to love the result. Having a love for crafts throughout my life, I have had my share of not so happy endings. But this week, I had two MAJOR successes. I may just be like one of those mom's who thinks EVERYTHING her child does is the cutest slash funniest, but I am not ashamed of that. What can I say, I am a proud mommy.

These glitter boots were first on the docket for craft Tuesday. I knew I needed some. The tutorial online was for simple ballet flats, but after an exciting trip to the D.I., I knew these boots were my only answer. If you know me, you know I already have about three of this same style of boot... but the good news is that I don't have a glitter pair. I went home and immediately began. I am happy to say that the boots did not turn stiff and are completely functional. Definitely a new favorite.

I got connected to an amazing fashion blog through Pinterest. I have been seeing a lot of things I like on fashion blogs lately, but there is one problem with fashion blogs... want to know it? They don't tell you WHERE the featured item is from. I could search my entire life and never find this heaven-sent necklace. After much inner debating, my inherent DIY self won. I gathered all the supplies I needed and went to town. My version is a lot less fluffy and intricate, but very wearable, happy, and fun. Did I just say happy? Well it is... I mean, it makes me happy.

iPhone.

Dude, my iPhone is my life. Without it, I really think I would be a different person. I realized it's many roles in my life and I truly can't believe it.

1. Wakes me up in the morning

2. Times mine and Chelsee's massages

3. Takes many pictures that I can send to friends and families

4. Allows me to look up movie times

5. Get me to and from places (thank you GoogleMaps)

6. Tells me the bizarre holiday each day!

7. My source of all music I listen to on campus and in my car... and all other times of the day

8. Look up people on Facebook

9. Use any internet site! (I use this probably about 20 times a day... literally.)

10. Play Words with Friends with my family

11. Check my email

12. Calculate things... you'd be surprised how much my phone calculator gets used

13. I can look up dates slash keep track of my life in the iPhone calendar

14. Text people

15. Watch all my music videos slash show them to people, so they can get to know the real me

16. Take video to make videos of my life

17. Talk to my friends and family

18. Check the weather everyday

19. Take notes to remind myself of events, or funny memories

20. Watch YouTube videos

Wow, that was 20... and there are so many more. What would I do if I didn't have the internet at the tip of my fingers 24/7? I am so lucky. Thank you Apple for making my life that much easier :)

Justin Bieber.

1. I know I am 18 years old.

2. I know I was surrounded and out of place in a theater of 13 year olds.

3. I know I said I would never have Bieber Fever.

4. I know I get temporarily obsessed with things.... It's in my nature....

5. So....... I LOVE JUSTIN BIEBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last night I went to Justin Bieber: Never Say Never 3D with 7 of my 18/19 year old girlfriends and it changed my life. Waiting for the midnight movie to start, there was a belting of his song "Baby" of the whole theater... in unison. We had those brave 13 year olds that got up in the front and started the chant, "When I say Justin, you say Bieber!" Every time a song came on during the movie, we ROCKED OUT hardcore. My voice was sore by the end of the movie. Seeing his personal life made me feel like I know him on a personal level. All of us caught it.... we have Bieber Fever!!! I don't know how long it will last, but all I do is live and breathe Justin Bieber. I am listening to him as we speak and I am off to go by a poster for my dorm room. I am weirding myself out right now, but I can't control what is happening to me! It's undeniable! He is SUCH a stud. I don't care what age you are, you NEED to see Justin Bieber's Never Say Never in 3D!

I LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011.

It's the start of a new year, new memories, and new goals. I love the feeling of a fresh start.

The top 10 things I wish to accomplish in 2011:

1. Spend more quality time with the fam. This holiday season has really shown me how much I love my family and how precious the time spent with them really is!

2. Help others. Just in general, to be a more giving person. If someone needs a favor, just do it!!! It's really not that hard to help people. The problem is there are some people I drop everything for to help, but instead of some people, I want that to be everyone.

3. Do better in college. Although social life is all that seems to matter and all that I want to participate in, college is important. I need to give it my all this year!

4. Take a vacation with some friends. I have some of the greatest friends on the planet! What do you do with your best college friends??? Go on vacation!!! I am going to need a vacation soon, and what better time in your life than to take it with friends :)

5. Eat less desserts!!! Sometimes I just go crazy, but guess what? Food is temporary. I need to calm down.

6. Start a new hobby. I don't know what it's going to be quite yet, but trying new things is fun! And what's the best part about trying new things? You can only improve from the first time that you try it!

7. Take advantage of the college scene and meet new people! All you need to do is talk to everyone and not judge. Everyone wants more friends :)

8. Get asked on a date. I don't know why guys aren't asking girls out very much these days, but I'm gonna get asked on one! Just you wait...

9. Get long hair!!! I know long hair takes time, and I've been very patient. By the end of this year, I am hoping for it to be closer to my desired length!

10. Always be myself. I know who I am, and I know who I'm not.

Hello 2011 :)