Do It Yourself!

So I have this huge blank wall above my couch and I've been wondering what the crap to decorate it with. Then I had this brilliant idea to gather all my picture frames and make a collage! It would create a nice focal point when you walk into the room and will also give it warmth and personality.

When you have tons of picture frames like I do you tend to scatter them around the house, but how cool would it be to group them all together and create a personalized piece of art? I plan on gathering all my favorite photos, printing them out in black & white and cropping them to my liking. I got this image when I searched in Google to show what I'm talking about:


To make the pictures pop even more you can block out the designated part of the wall with moldings and paint the inside a bold color to match your living space.

Don't have picture frames? I bet you can get a screamin' deal at thrift/discount stores or even garage sales. Make sure to get all different sizes to create interest.

You can leave the wood frames natural if that matches. Or even better- pick out a color that matches your space, lets say brown, and pick out 2 different shades in spray paint, and go for a two-tone effect!

What do ya think?? I'm totally doing this- it is so cheap and easy! I'll make sure to post pictures after I'm done!

You are Beautiful

So I saw this post on Macy's blog and thought to myself...

"Who is the most beautiful person I know... inside and out?"

I thought about this for a while and a few people came to mind, but ultimately I would have to say my younger sister Alecia. Isn't she just stunning?

I am so proud of her. She has grown up and also has grown into her beauty. She always felt awkward growing up because she was taller than me and my older sister.. about a 5 inch difference taller! She knew she was different and always struggled with that until recently. I think she has finally accepted herself and her body and knows that she is beautiful.

She is more than just a pretty face though.... she also has the most beautiful personality. She doesn't feel ugly without makeup on, she can be silly and laughs a lot, she enjoys life to the fullest, and she is so smart. She respects herself and knows that guys aren't worth losing yourself over. She has a really bright future and knows what she wants out of life. I always taught her things growing up and she looked up to me, but now I find myself learning things from her and I get inspired by her attitude and love for life.

Who do you think is the most beautiful person you know? I tag everyone who reads this!

My neighbor is the next American Idol...

...NOT!

OK so I really hope I don't come across as a perv, but we have had these new neighbors that live downstairs in our duplex... and they are pretty weird. The walls are really thin so we can hear a lot of stuff.. sometimes things I would rather not hear if you catch my drift...

Sometimes me and Josh will just be chillin out watching TV and we'll hear the most random sounds, like a really loud shout out of no where, or a loud laugh that goes on for 15 minutes... totally random.

So Josh was working late all last week and I had the joy of listening to my neighbor sing.. in the shower.. at the top of his lungs.. for TWO HOURS!

Not kidding! I could hear the whole thing, and it was even louder than the TV! I had to stoop down the stairs to hear him clearly.

The dude was BELTING! And not just one song.. but a huge combination of songs from Warrant's "Cherry Pie" to Bon Jovi's "Shot through the heart"... and also some strange comment about a vacuum being $39.95...

So as I was laughing my ass off totally entertained I decided I could not be the only one to get a kick out of this. And I knew a story would not do it justice... so I found a way to record a clip on my cell phone that lasts about a minute.

Click on the link below and be entertained as you mouth the words, "WTF??"

Singin Neighbor

I'm pretty sure if he ever tried out for Idol it would be a HELL to the NO!

The Simplest Things Are Often the Truest...

Henry David Thoreau once said, "As you simply your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler; solitude will not be solitude, poverty will not be poverty, nor weakness weakness."

I got to thinking about how complicated life can get. When me and Josh first got married, we had tons of opportunities in front of us and there was so much to think about: decorating the house, what credit cards to open and how many, what bank to use, what plasma TV to get...etc. To put it plainly... when we had the money we definitely found more reasons to spend it.

As time went on and the credit card balances went up, it was like a huge slap in the face. What to do now? Move to a smaller place, sell our valuables, get a loan... etc. To put it plainly... the shit hit the fan!!

Recently I've been learning how to live with just the simple things- back to the basics! You never think you could live without your precious Blackberry, your designer shoes, or your HBO channels but I'm learning there are ways around these things!

SIMPLICITY IS KEY! We have simplified our life- we downgraded to basic cable (and still get to watch Family Guy, Simpsons, Seinfeld... simple entertainment!), we sold our plasma and now use our old TV (without HD thank you very much!), we don't have fancy cell phones- just the ones that came free with our plan, we don't get to go shopping every month but we do something fun together every once in a while. We still have the same old raggy comforter set we got 2 years ago and it keeps us warm at night. If I do get to go shopping I don't buy pricey items- no one can tell the damn difference anyway! And our dog Sam doesn't have any new toys but still loves his good ol' squeaky. It's like I've been blinded by thinking I'm so poor and comparing my possessions to what everyone else has. Who says anyone's life is any better?

In the words of Carrie Bradshaw, "I admit it's tempting to wish for the perfect boss - the perfect parent - or the perfect outfit. But maybe the best any of us can do is not quit, play the hand we've been dealt, and accessorize what we've got."

It's amazing how it feels when you can be perfectly happy with what you got. I kept obsessing with what I want and everything I don't have that I forgot about all the amazing and good things that I DO have. We have a roof over our heads, food in our fridge, gas in our car, good jobs, and most of all each other... Isn't that all you really need anyway?

I once told Josh a long time ago when we first started dating that I would love him and be happy with him even if we lived in a cardboard box. I'm not so sure about the box... but you get my point.

I was reading an article on "Ten Ways to Simplify Your Life." Here are a few of them that stood out to me:

Define your values

Determine what your values are and live to those values. We often feel conflicted because how we are living is out of sync with our values. For example, if your number one value is family and your job requires you to work 65 hours a week, is it any wonder that you feel unsettled and unhappy? When you're clear about what is important to you, it will be easier to let go of things that don't fit.

Create priorities

Determine one or two things you want to accomplish within the next year for your career/business, home life, relationships, and self. Work only to those priorities. If your goal is to develop a new income-generating product line, then that is where you should spend significant time focusing your attention.

It's very easy to get distracted from our priorities, because there is so much information out there that attracts our interests. How often do you get diverted to other projects and never finish what you were originally working on? What happens? The year goes by and you did not accomplish any of your objectives. When new ideas do excite us, get an idea notebook and write all of your new ideas down for future projects. One note, if you find yourself working on everything but your stated priorities, it may be time to reexamine what you think you want.

If you are struggling - let it go

If something is a real struggle, or you can't come up with a solution, drop it for a while. Giving yourself a mental break will allow your brain to rest and therefore create new ideas. Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night and had an aha? This happens for two reasons, 1) because you are relaxed, and 2) because you were not trying to direct your brain's thoughts. Giving yourself a mental break from a challenge is a great way to consciously create that aha.

Have fun

Why is it so hard for us to have fun? Make time each week to do something that brings you joy. Do something completely silly. Have fun with yourself. Laugh. Forget all the other stuff for a while and just have fun. You will feel a whole lot better.

HOW TRUE! Hopefully you can take a bit of this and apply it to your life. I highly recommend it :)

Tag: Favorites, Firsts, and so on...

Tagged by Macy

10 Favorites.
color: turquoise
food: dad's pancakes :)
song: hmmmmmm... right now I'm in love with the Offspring "You're Gonna Go Far Kid"
movie: The Little Mermaid... and all the other classic Disney movies
sport: i'm not really a sporty chick
season: autumn... in Connecticut :)
day of the week: Frrrriday
ice cream flavor: Ben & Jerry's Americone Dream
time of day: 5:00 when I get to go home!

9 Currents.
mood: optimistic
taste: coffee. I need a breath mint or better yet some of Hailey's dubble bubble watermelon
clothes: work clothes... dark wash jeans, white button up, black v-neck and black heels
desktop picture: fall trees and view of rolling hills
toenail color: none.. I'm too lazy and I don't plan on wearing open toed shoes anytime soon... brrr!
time: 10:31 A.M.
surroundings: computer, phone, nice view out the front doors
annoyance: drivers... the bastards in front of you that insist on going 10 under the speed limit until the light goes yellow, they speed up and I am left sitting at a red light... grrr. Orrr the ones that act like theres not a huge space next to a car turning left so they sit and wait when they could have just gone around!
thoughts: I want some lunch soon

8 firsts.
best friend: Katherine Curry
kiss: Bryan Hazelton.. LOL he had braces and my lips hurt afterwards
name: Nick name maybe? I didn't really have one until like 5 years ago my younger sister started calling me Keester
pet: we had a brittany spaniel named Scout. He later ate a pheasant and went blind... poor guy.
crush: ok i'm going to go back to pre school and say WILLIAM! He gave me flowers at the park.
music you remember hearing: My parents always listened to the classics like Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Carly Simon, The Beatles... they have good taste :)
car: OMG.... it was an '88 BRONZE Pontiac Grand Prix. It was my grandpa's old car and I loved it until I crashed it... I bet I would still be driving that thing I loved it so much.
ticket: I got a ticket after I pulled out into traffic and crashed

lasts.
cigarette: this morning
drink: coffee
ride: driving to work
kiss: a "Bye baby, I love you" kiss before I left for work this morning
movie seen: What Happens in Vegas.. great movie!
call: Josh.. yelling at him for stealing the lighter out of the car
played: lol me and Josh decided to play this game we've had for a while called Battle of the Sexes. We just went through the cards seeing who knew their gender better... Josh won

6 have you evers.
dated one of your best friends: tried to and it didn't work out
broken the law: who hasn't?
been arrested: negative
skinny dipped: hehehe
been on tv: I think I made an appearance on Cops one time... JK!
kissed someone you didn't know: well I always knew their first name... I think...

5 things (5 for each).
you're wearing: I think I went over this already but black v-neck, white button up, jeans, heels, and earrings.
you've done today: went to work, sorted some faxes, checked facebook, picked out some songs to put on Heather's new CD, and now blogging. Yes, very productive...
you can hear right now: Juicy by Biggy, the fax printing something, me typing, someone talking on their cell phone, phone ringing
you can't live without: my family, friends, Josh, Sam, and beauty supplies... haha
you do when you're bored: watch TV, read a book, surf the internet, play with Sam, call my family

4 places you've been today: home, car, work, and Heather's office.. hey my day just started!

3 people you can tell anything to: Josh, Hailey, Alecia

2 choices. What will I make for dinner tonight? Should I exercise or be lazy?

1 thing you want to do before you die: TRAVEL!

I tag... Hailey, Heather, Nicki, and Nicole Tenny :)

Amen, Ralph! Amen!

I was reading a quote on my Chai Tea package the other day and couldn't have agreed more:

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in, forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day, you shall begin it well and serenely." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

It's funny how life gives you hints every once in a while. This is exactly what I needed to hear. Forget what has already happened- begin each day new with endless possibilities.

Here's to another great week!

What a difference a day makes...

So these past couple weeks turned out great for both me and Josh.

It was a lot of fun for me because I've been able to go out with my friends a few times. It's so nice to just get out of the house! I rarely go out and I sometimes feel like a hermit. But it feels like I've been going out more now, and I'm not spending money, just having fun with my family and friends.

My friend Heather had a Lia Sophia party not too long ago which was lots of fun and also invited me to sub for Bunco which she was hosting at her place. I never played before so I wasn't sure how much fun it would be since I didn't know anyone else besides Heather and her room mate. Turns out I had a blast! I really like getting to know new people, I used to be shy about it but I think I'm improving. Although I think I was the only one married without a child lol. So different here. But no wonder all the mormon mommies get together once a month to play, it was really fun. And easy! All you had to do was roll some dice and count. And even losers can win! And she also made her own home made Cafe Rio pork salads which were MMMMMMM delicious! I didn't win any prizes but I met a lot of cool people. I wouldn't mind going again :)

Josh was having a good week too!

His brother Jarred is in town doing some training for his security system job. He used to live with us last year and we were like a happy family until he got this job and had to move to Florida and then to L.A. It's good for him since he's young and single without any attachments but I know Josh misses having him around so he's been spending time with him which is great.

Also, Josh has been out of a job for a few weeks now which makes for a lot of stress, but he finally had 2 different interviews set up this week- one for parking lot security and one for selling the Jitterbug (you know the cell phone with the big buttons and loud speaker for old people...... Jiiiitta-bug *doo doo doo doo doo doo* tell me you've seen the commercials?). Anyway, he didn't care which one he got as long as someone said, "Can you start Monday?"

He got good feedback from the parking lot security job, turns out those people can make a lot of money! Even the guys that sit in a toll booth all day, collect your money, and raise the bar? Yeah.... they make up to $20/hour! Who knew? Obviously I'm in the wrong business here...

Then he went to his Jitterbug interview and after talking with the manager for a few minutes the manager asked him, "So you really want to work for Jitterbug??" and started telling him about this other position being on the phones for a company similar to Sylvan Learning for kids. It was better pay, better hours, and a better product to sell. Annnnnd he will be training for the manager position! HALLELUJAH!! The hours and location work out perfectly, he is only 10 minutes away from my work so sharing the car won't be a big hassle. WHOOPEE!

*dances*

*booty shake*

So yes, it's been a great week. Not to mention my favorite time of year has been in the air. I just love Autumn- the crisp air, the changing colors, it's like a 2nd spring only the leaves are the flowers. I love breaking out my coat and scarf. Although I would much rather be in Connecticut this time of year. That's why I put that fall picture up- and also because the car looks EXACTLY like my Mom's Saturn Ion hehe! Miss you guys!! Guess I'll have to savor the ONE month of fall we get here in good ol' Utah!

Although we are going to have a big storm this weekend and possibly SNOW! I'm so not ready for that yet! Guess I'll be hibernating at home with movies this weekend! Have fun everyone!

Vice Presidential Debate

Did you watch the vice presidential debate that went on last week? I was really hoping for Palin to slip up and totally get her ass kicked. Mostly so Americans don't have to sit on the fence anymore and can realize who the obvious choice is. To my surprise, she held her own and did a decent job, compared to how low of a bar was set for her.

Although, she didn't really answer the questions very well and kind of trailed off into her own prepared speeches about Alaska and "The Maverick." Kinda sounded like she was reading from a script the whole time.

I laughed my ass off watching this SNL skit about the vice presidential debate. Tiny Fey is so dead on it's hilarious...enjoy!

"Where there is great love, there are always miracles."

So yesterday was a hellish day...

Me and Josh woke up to find our dog Sammy completely gone! He usually sleeps in our bed and I woke up and instantly knew he wasn't there. We searched around the house and looked in the backyard to find our fence had been messed with and it was on an angle, leaving some space for Sam to get out.

My immediate reaction? Well since he has done this a few times since we moved here I thought we would be able to find him quickly. He usually just wants to find someone to play with so we usually will find him at the neighbor's or closeby.

This time it was different.

Me and Josh first walked around the neighborhood calling his name. He was no where to be found. This, by the way, is one of the worst feelings in the world. I get completely numb. My head is full of worry and my only focus is finding that dog and getting him home safely.

We then drove around our neighborhood, squeaking his favorite toy and calling his name. Still no luck. I was getting really worried at this point. It was time for me to go to work and I really didn't want to stop looking. We figured if he wasn't walking around the neighborhood he must have been with someone. The worst part was that we had our old cell phone number on his tag so whoever had him wouldn't be able to get a hold of us.

After posting a KSL ad I figured I better get myself to work and let Josh handle it.

I get to work and tell Heather about it. She tells me to try calling our old phone number. I thought it had been disconnected but after trying it had been re-assigned to a girl named Heather. I got her voicemail and told her to call me if she got any messages about a missing dog.

I was trying to think positive while everyone at work reassured me. I was hoping that he would be OK while I waited for more information but something just didn't feel right inside.

Then I got the call back from my old cell phone number.

She told me that she was concerned because she got a call late last night from a frantic woman asking if she had a dog named Sammy and that he had been hit by a truck.

*heart drops*

*tears start swelling*

*SOBBING BEGINS!*

I didn't hear anything else after that. I couldn't stop crying. I couldn't stop saying "No, no, no!!!"

Somehow I heard the chick tell me that she would call me back with the number that called her last night. Since I was in such an emotional state of mind I called Josh, told him the bad news, and gave him the number of the lady that had Sam.

I started panicking. If any of you have dogs, you can relate to this horrible feeling. People don't realize that this dog is my CHILD! He is my pride and joy and I could not picture my life without him. I started flashing back to Charlie and how HORRIBLE it felt to hear he had died.

Worst. Feeling. In. The. World.

Seriously. I started screaming at the top of my lungs. You can't help but assume the worst! Luckily my good friends Hailey and Heather took care of me while I tried to hope for the best. But it didn't sound good. Sam, a little 7 pound wiener dog against a 10 ton truck- how can he possibly come out of that alive?! And if he was alive what the hell happened to him?!

My thoughts started racing while Hailey popped a few ciggys in my mouth and drove me home to get Josh, since my eyes were blocked with dripping black mascara.

On the way Josh called to tell me that he had gotten ahold of the woman. She said she was behind the truck that hit Sam, saw it all, and pulled over to see if he was OK. By the grace of God he was OK- just unconscious. She called Animal Control and waited with him until he got picked up. She said he had been taken to the West Valley Animal Shelter.

RELIEF!

I honestly couldn't believe it. It was a miracle. Sam was OK!!

We later picked him up from the shelter with a big fat $145 bill! God damn!

But... he is worth it :)

And I couldn't find it in my heart to complain. Sam was OK. The shelter had been taking care of him. The money didn't matter to me.

After getting micro-chipped he was released and I got to take him home with me!! No broken bones, no blood. Just some bruised ribs and a lot of stress and aftershock.

Since he was so small they let him stay with the cats overnight. He smelled like cat piss and it didn't look like he got much sleep so I took him home, gave him a bath, and he was OUT for the rest of the day. It was like he just wanted to make sure we were paying attention to him.

It was so good just to cuddle with him and watch him happily sleep. Life can be taken away so easily. I'm just glad he is still with us. We never want him to leave us again!! Hopefully our little man has learned a lesson. TRUCKS ARE DANGEROUS!!

So now we joke that he is like our teenage son that sneaks out in the middle of the night, gets all banged up, and we had to bail him out of puppy jail... hehe!

He is our Super Sammy now. Maybe he will be Superman for Halloween :)

Money DOES grow on trees!

So when you're down and out, no cash, no food, no nada.... what do ya do?

Cut down a tree, that's what!!

This past weekend Josh cut down this old dead birch tree in our backyard. He chainsawed it down into little logs and then was talking about selling them on KSL.

I didn't realize people went on KSL to buy firewood but they do!

15 minutes after we posted the ad they were SOLD for $60!

Pretty sweet eh?

So hence the blog title.... money does grow on trees... dead ones that is :)