Birthday

I had such a wonderful birthday! It's been a weird adjustment to have birthdays away from my family (at home) and my twin sister, Taryn. I have to say that Ben takes over the responsibility very well. He took me to a nice dinner. (I love when he lets me dress up)
Among the many birthday greetings and nice little gifts was something I could only imagine... my very own sewing machine! My mom surprised me with a package at my doorstep, underneath my mat. I thought, "hm, what is that?" and then the large letters- s-i-n-g-e-r. EEEE! I shrieked!

I have been dreaming of learning to sew. And today, after some tedious manual reading, I SEWED! Check it out here:
An extremely bumpy start. yipe. But someday I'll be able to whip up a room like this:
Mom, now along with the many, many other skills/talents I attribute to you, I can add this one! (once I'm good). THANKS mom.

December Wish List

Who likes the bitter cold? The icy sidewalks, the dry skin, (the white skin!), the dirt on your car that turns all your clothes dirty? It was a long time ago, maybe the first winter we spent in Mississippi twelve years ago, that I realized if I was going to make it through the long winter, there were a few things I'd need... here they are, along with some of my other favorite holiday treats this winter.


Philosophy Cinnamon Buns
I love this stuff. It smells heavenly. I can smell it now. I used to think it could help me with my diet, like if I could smell the buns it would be like I were eating them. Not exactly. This season I want to try the "candy cane" holiday flavor.




Stephen's Hot Cocoa
Can you get this stuff outside of Utah? I was introduced to it at the creamery at BYU. I've never had so much hot chocolate in my life as I've had this winter so far. Combine the cold weather with my weird inability to eat things too cold or hard (strange dental dilemma) and get my addiction. Stephen's is yummy.




Ahava Mineral Hand Cream
For a senior graduation gift in high school I was given a tube of this. I felt like I was pampering myself at the time, but now I seriously consider this a staple. It works so well without any greasy leftovers, and I can use it year-round. Give me something else that works as well, and I'll take it. Until then I'll recommend this to everyone.



Sarah McLachlan Wintersong
I'll admit I don't have the whole cd. But I am obsessed with "River" and I listen to it on repeat when I am home alone. It makes me daydream about skating down a river. (without the whole "I made my baby cry" part)



Glass Glittered Doves
I was wandering through Potterybarn a few weeks ago, and with a little money left on a gift card, I bought a few of these cute little doves, I couldn't resist. When I got home to the tree, I just couldn't bear to separate them, so I made them kissing! When Ben came home I said, "look! two love birds. that's us" As cheesy as it is, I still think it's pretty cute and I'll enjoy putting them together on the tree from now on.



Vietri Foglia Bread and Butter Plates
After 10 months of being married, I had to hurry and decide on a few things with a credit I had at a gift shop in Tupelo. I chose these plates without seeing them in person. They are so fun! Love the green color with my current creamy plates. Now if I could just learn how to cook really fantastic meals so I could have a fabulous dinner party with these cute plates. Taryn, where are you when I need you?? I just know I shouldn't serve microwaved nachos to my guests.

Fresh Garland
In hopes of bringing some nice woodsy smells into our place (we have an artificial pre-lit tree that I love), I thought I'd buy some fresh garland to hang. I found 15 feet for $10 and hung it over a window like this. It looks so festive and was inexpensive and easy to hang.

One Year Ago...

I can't believe how the year has flown by. In some ways I feel like my wedding was yesterday, but in other ways I feel like I can't remember my life before Ben. We've been looking forward to celebrating our 1st anniversary. November 10th fell on a Saturday this year, so we got to celebrate our big day on the actual day and spend the whole day together. Ben planned the whole day as a surprise to me. We started out walking through the Gateway - it was the most beautiful day outside- almost the same weather as the year before. We got in some shopping (how did he know me soo well?) and a little bit of golf in the afternoon. Then we went to The Roof at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building for dinner. What a spectacular view.
I thought it would be fun to go to the top of the Wells Fargo Building to remember our reception, but sitting almost right on top of the temple was so much more memorable. I felt like we had the best table in the whole place. It was just incredible. I had the belt taken off my dress and I wore it with a black dress, I felt like a princess all over again.
The night wouldn't have been complete without eating the top of our wedding cake... and I have to say it was just as delicious to me as it was last year. After we had our bites, Ben said, "should I throw it away now?" um, no, let's keep it... I'm looking forward to eating the rest of it! As soon as I'm off this sugar high from all the desserts at the buffet.

We had a fantastic day. I'm so nostalgic I love these days to come and I'm sad when they're gone. Help... I still want to get teary when I drive by the Wells Fargo building.

Halloween Weekend

Ben and I had a great halloween weekend. I am not one to really get into this holiday... simply because I don't have kids yet to dress up in darling costumes, and secondly I think it's slightly odd that adults dress up with no where to go (today our mail lady was dressed in full pirate apparel, and the girl at Arby's who helped me was a ladybug... is that weird to anyone else?)

This year we did have fun. Ben and I were invited to a party for adults, how fun! We originally wanted to find partner costumes to be figure skaters, but that proved pretty difficult. We went to a vintage clothing store and found some sweet alternatives. My first idea was 'we are beach movie extras from the 60's!' That was a little too hard to convey, so we went as "Vintage Beach barbie and ken" (even better, I got to wear heels with a bathingsuit!) So here we are.

I borrowed a cotton kimono from Granny (thanks Gran!) and put some flowers in my hair, how fun! More than me, people couldn't belive Ben's sweet outfit. A few of the guys wanted his seersucker yellow shorts (I swear). So we didn't win the costume contest, but Ben did win the Bunko tournament we had that night. It was fun to dress up... complete with hairspray, a week of solid self-tanning, and lots of fun makeup that I haven't worn since showchoir in high school.

On Monday night was the Oviatt family halloween party - all the grandkids wear their costumes and come to grandma's to decorate cookies, break a pinata, etc. Ben and Matt dressed up for fun - check this out! Ahh! I'm not sure of the exact costume name, but let's just say it reminded me too much of some people I'd seen in Mississippi. :)

Here's to Lulu

I am so lucky. I have not worried about my hair in years. This is more than I can say for many of my friends/relatives, even conversations I overhear about disliking their current stylist, moving and being scared to try someone new... etc. Sometimes I even see people and think, "she should try someone new..."

I will gladly drive an hour to Springville to see Lacey. I'd probably drive from Nebraska to see her. She is, how-do-you-say, Magnefique! Those of you divas who have since moved away from Utah, I would dare say that the thing you miss most about this great state is Lacey and her magic hands.

So here's a tribute to you, Lace. I need to see you more often, for the fun stuff. Remember my 21st bday? What about the next one? (ps - I heard "goodies" on the radio this morning - I smiled so big I could hardly contain myself.) So many great memories, some better kept between our small group of friends, no?


And just to set the record straight for those of you visiting this blog... I loved Lacey long before she reached celebrity status.

Love the Fall

I have always loved the fall... it never lasts long enough for me. Here in SLC its already becoming cold and rainy/snowy. But there have been a few beautiful, heavenly days. I took these pictures from the LDSBC campus the other day in the afternoon - and from the top of the parking structure this morning as I left class. The view from the Triad Center is fantastic, a totally new vantage point from what I'm used to. Enjoy!

Fall Faves

I enjoyed blogging about my summer loves so much that I decided to continue the tradition. It's fun to compile a mental list, even if nobody really benefits from my contributions. Anyway, here they are:

Mistral Verbena body wash - or anything Verbena that Mistral makes. Ooh I love the scent. The more I smell, the more I love.

Shelli Segal for Laundry jewelry - some of my favorite finds this summer and into fall. She designs some cool sparkly stuff... have I ever mentioned liking sparkly things?

Sean Hannity I started listening to talk radio when my iTrip broke, regular radio became mundane, and also when I started to feel like an uninformed American. Sean Hannity is awesome.


Diet Rite Red Raspberry - a really refreshing break from DC. Also love DDP Berries and Cream.

Fleece-lined Crocs - need I say more?

Shade Clothing bodysuit - I'm still trying to figure it out, but overall a great concept! Especially when wearing dresses or skirts when you need the shirt part but don't want the extra fabric around the waist (or tugging/riding issues)

CSI: Vegas - Ben and I got hooked on these (all cities) this summer at my parents'... but now we have limited ourselves to the Las Vegas show. We DVR every episode that airs, including this season. It's fun to finally be watching it in sequence.

Chaka Khan - "I'm Every Woman" How about that for a fall theme song??

Anything for Baby!!! Oh Tary I love you. I just can't help myself. I bought you something today...

Baby Wheatley

Today I was waiting in another long line at the grocery store...where do these people all-of-a-sudden appear from right as I'm getting in line??

Anyway, as I perused the magazine rack... I saw this - darling picture of what could very well be the future child of Taryn and Mike. And the Yale sweatshirt just capped it off! Oh Tary, I can't wait to find out what the baby will be... but regardless it will be a precious little thing!

Pebble Beach

We were so lucky to get away over Labor day to Pebble Beach. Ben has family friends with a home on the golf course - it far exceeded my wildest dreams. Right on the 14th fairway, and with views of the tenth and twelfth, we hardly wanted to leave the house.
Ben and the golf enthusiasts in the house were excited about the Champion's Tour Pro-Am that was on the course that weekend. I felt dumb, not being able to recognize any faces... let alone from 50 yards away... (I'm just starting to recognize the names and faces of the PGA tour, give a girl a break). But I will give myself credit for spotting Clint Eastwood from afar... point Lauren. The back of the house sits literally on the 16th tee - so close you could get hit with a swing by standing there. Needless to say Ben had a wonderful time watching his favorite senior players.
I fell in love with the scenery and the little town of Carmel-by-the-sea. Just adjacent to the Pebble Beach resort - this ten block-square village is filled with local boutiques, bakeries, art galleries, antique shops and mini hotels. Darling! Very crowded while we were there, but so fun to walk around all day and tons of beautiful things to see.

The most picturesque view I saw was at Spanish Bay, another golf course nearby. If heaven has golf courses, they look like Spanish Bay. We had dinner at the grille there on our last night in town, and I ordered the BEST salad I've ever eaten. We finished just in time for the sunset which was just as amazing as the salad. If I ever get back to Carmel - I will be camped out at Spanish Bay.

Here are some photos from the weekend.
the backyard

Day trip to the wharf

Ben's sister Sara with new baby Drake (I love this musher, you've never met a happier baby)

10th fairway

the famed "Lone Cypress"

Topping the charts for 'greatest nights of my life' @ Spanish Bay

This is so ME

Who else feels this way?? Click here -

http://youtube.com/watch?v=wFO0D_fEDCs

Meghan's wedding

Ben and I returned from Montana (yes, we went again!) just in time for his sister Meghan's wedding. What a beautiful day it was! Perfect weather at the Salt Lake temple, a lovely dinner at the Grand America, and a very happy bride and groom. Here are some pictures from the sidelines.

Summer loves

I love summer. Instead of always posting pictures of myself doing silly things ( I admit it!), I've been wanting to post on the things I've been loving this summer. Anything from what I love eating, to what I carry in my purse, what I watch, etc. Summer is not over yet, so if any of these things inspire you, give them a shot!

Corn on the Cob: Taryn taught me how to make it, (tough I know right?) and now I'm hooked. I can just taste it now - my mouth is watering. Plus, sweet Ben now thinks I'm a Gourmet.

Did I catch on to this fad late? It's one of the best inventions of the decade. Practically perfect in every way.


I really like this magazine. Funky, fresh, lots of how-to and ecclectic ideas for creative minds. Confession: I love Martha's magazines. I guess this would be the Martha version of "Domino" (but less emphasis on selling products and more on "how-tos"). I also love Living magazine. It's a classic, even if you only get into 15 pages of the entire mag.

Who doesn't love otter pops? And just because you don't have kids doesn't mean you can't enjoy them ALL summer long. I bought a large box a few months ago that I think will last well into fall. The grown-up way to eat them is eat two instead of one. Quiz: can you name all the flavors??

My sister Tessa introduced me to this - Cover Girl Volume Exact mascara. It has a cool silicone wand and goes on just how I like it. Mascara is a personal choice - but my motto is go big or go home. At $7 everyone should try it.

Geraniums. For now, my yard is a balcony. I put red geraniums in railing planters and have loved watching them grow outside. Love the punch of red color and the almost more interesting leaves. Easy to care for and can last all year if moved inside during cold winter months. love them.


Borderline obsessed? Maybe. I've loved her show "Divine Design" for years, and discovered her book this summer. I'm adding this to my library of reference books. I think she's pretty great.

Monty '07

Ben and I just got back from ten days in Montana - I don't know what it is about that place... Usually when I go on vacation I like to relax, read mags, lay around and get tan, etc., but being in Montana is like summer camp! You wake up every morning and say, "what should we do today??" To save myself from uploading a bizillion pictures I created a slide show of some of the things we did. And - we had SO much fun, that we decided to go back up next month.

60% addicted?

60%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

I saw this post on my friend Blythe's website and decided to try. Since I'm not working full-time anymore I thought I would be online a ton, but I've found it's the opposite. Probably because I used to spend 40 hours a week at a computer, and now it's only for leisure purposes. I was surprised to see that I'm 60% addicted. I only blog a few times a month and don't even check my friends' blogs every day anymore.
I think I got this 'high score' because I answered yes to the question, "Have you ever come up with a great blog idea while doing something completely random, such as taking a shower or watching a movie?" (how did they know to ask that? they are good.)

I'm not ashamed... I'd imagine anyone who finds the quiz is probably already somewhat addicted to blogging. Somewhat ironic, no? Maybe 60% is considered below the average.

July Fun

July has been so much fun I've forgotten to post! I feel better knowing that Taryn hasn't posted in a while either... see, we're both too busy having fun together every second.

Here are the month's highlights: Thursday night dinners with our friends Chris and Maeve (love them), West Valley Drive-in movie to see Ratatouille with the fam, and fourth of July with both sides of the family (how lucky am I... I can't do anything without my sisters I guess, or just don't want to).


(Taryn and Mike with Ben's bro Matt and his wife McCall)


For any of you who haven't seen Ratatouille - I liked it. I also really liked the van full of 9 kids under the age of 10 that was parked next to us. No car seats and the kids never exited the van, unlike the other hundred kids that were pajama-clad, barefoot, and dragging blakies around the parking lot. At the end of the movie I walked to the ladies room. The line was so long, I decided not to wait in it, but to count the number of women in line: 67. (and 2 men, strange). The drive-in is a post in and of itself.

What else is new - well, we've been watching Age of Love and we can't get enough. I'm proud of myself for not taking a picture of us watching the show so I can post it on my blog. (Ben now thinks the only reason I want to do fun activities is so I can post them/photos on my blog... silly).

This weekend we'll head up to Montana to spend a week with my folks. My mom no doubt has a variety of planned activities awaiting us. (great blog material) :)

Back to School

I'm back in school - almost exactly 2 years after finishing the Public Relations program at BYU - I'm starting the Design program at the LDS Business College downtown. I'm only in 2 classes right now, art and perspective drawing, one of which is fun. As soon as fall rolls around, I think I'll begin to like the program more and more, being able to take more classes and more serious classes, and also having more than 5 people in the classroom. LDSBC is like BYU in that it's a CES school, but it is very small (one building) and the course offerings are not as widespread. I left the Board of Regents to do school full-time, and so far it hasn't been as serious as I anticipated. I guess I'm viewing this as a post-grad or professional program, when many students are young and just getting into school for the first time. Step aside! :) Maybe I'll post a drawing or two when they become presentable. The good news is, because I have the general classes out of the way I'll be able to take straight design courses. (if stats 221 were in the picture again I don't think I would have applied)

Totally look the part

If you've been keeping up with my darling sister's blog, you'd know that her husband Michael is working at the US Attorney's office this summer here in SLC. Most of his duties revolve around research, however, a perk of the position is his chance to attend 'real live' trials and court cases. Mike came home yesterday and told us about his day in court. Taryn and I were intrigued and (since we have so much free time on our hands at the moment) decided to sit in on the trial the next day.

We strode boldly downtown to the courthouse and, when we got in the courtroom, wow! how fascinating! We saw everything from the judge, to the stenographer, to the full jury, the crazy "I'm representing myself" defendant, and even a few US Marshalls (the crazy defendants watchmen) who Mike said, "could seriously mess you up."

We heard a few witness statements, cross-examinations, and the closing arguments. I don't have enough time to blog about this case, but if you're interested, read here or here. Basically, this man robbed a bank because he was trying to raise money to enable Utah, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana to secede in order to create it's own "White motherland." This white-supremacist, anti-goverment man, who resembled a smaller, skinnier version of the monopoly guy, said some of the craziest things I've heard in a long time (especially live), the most annoying of which was his repeated use of the word "irregardless."

The jury decided a guilty verdict in a record 12 minutes.
Taryn and I had the most interesting time, and, while we were there, I kept envisioning the above picture, which I'm so glad I found. Behind Elle, you'll see Mike, Taryn, and Moi! :)

Lake Powell 2007

Those of you who've been with me since last year (or before) - may remember my trip to the Lake with the Oviatt's last year. This year's trip was fun in a different way. Because of a few recently born babies or soon-to-be-born babies, our numbers were down from 26 to 16. When we got to the lake and launched the boat, it was only a few minutes until disaster struck! The boat's engine started smoking and ended up being broken for the entire trip. The houseboat had some leaking problems as well... bathroom leaking problems. For the first two days of the trip the weather and winds were so bad we had to stay docked on the side of the marina, next to the boat-gas station. The first night, the winds were so strong that the frame on the top of the boat cracked and I felt like we were on the movie White Squall or that tv show Deadliest Catch. (we found out later that the gas station dock collapsed that night as well).

Once we left the marina the whole trip turned around. Without jet skis or a ski boat, we only had the flower-shaped blow-up raft that I bought before the trip. It ended up being the only source of entertainment. (but a good one!) The little boys fished and had so much fun catching catfish, carp, and blue gil. Kids are so cute. We also took a few hikes and of course ate lots of food.

Here are a few pictures from the adventure.