Cutter

I know you are all anxiously awaiting all my christmas pictures but first a funny story.

The other day after Steve and I flew back into Salt Lake, we stopped at Little Caesar's to pick up dinner and guess what happened? A kid came into the store behind me and the line was pretty long. So we're waiting patiently and all of a sudden he cut in front of me! I did a double take thinking "Did this kid really just cut in front of me?" He looked about 5 years old and he had exact change $5.36.

So I asked him, "Did you just cut in front of me?"
He turned around and smiled and nodded his head. Thats it. He didn't say one word to me. But he did keep glancing back at me, to which I answered with scowls and a disapproving shake of my head.

What could I do? I didn't want to be that woman who shoves her way in front of a kid. So the kid won. And I am kind of smiling about it because I totally got taken.

White Christmas

Having lived in Washington state most of my life and California the other little bit, I have never had a white christmas. This year I might luck out but hopefully it doesn't stop us from getting home.

This is a picture my mom sent of the snow in our yard. Isn't that a fantastic view to have from your house? I seriously miss these trees.

Christmas Tag

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Wrapping paper-definately. Who cares about the environment during the holidays?
2. Real tree or Artificial?
REAL. You all know how i feel about fake trees.
3. When do you put up the tree?
Second weekend in December, I hate when it dies before christmas.
4. When do you take the tree down?
Before we go home for the holidays. Its easier than trying to throw away a brittle mess that leaves behind all its needles in your bookcase.
5. Do you like eggnog?
No. I don't drink milk, I am lactose intolerant and I am pretty sure eggnog would kill me.
6. Favorite gift received as a child?
I loved barbie and all her clothing and accessories.
7. Hardest person to buy for?
My brothers
8. Easiest person to buy for?
Steve
9. Do you have a nativity scene?
Yes, my MIL gave me one last year and it is super cute
10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Mail, although have yet to send them out. I just feel like a picture of just Steve and I is kind of like a wedding anouncement all over again
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
No comment
12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
A Christmas Story, I love the old man and his facial expressions. It makes me laugh every year.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
November.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Not that I can think of.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Cookies, toffee, almond rocca
16. Colored or Clear Lights?
Clear on the tree, colored outside
17. Favorite Christmas song?
Feliz Navidad, Prospero anno y felicidad!
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Travel, although I can't wait until we can stay at home in our own comfy bed
19. Angel on the tree top or a star?
Star, angels make me sick although I still don't have a tree topper
20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Christmas morning.
21. Favorite ornament theme or color?
I like anything red, green, silver or gold
22. White or Warm Christmas?
I have never had a white christmas, maybe this year...
23. Favorite Christmas Tradition?
Santa Claus jello mold. He jiggles on the table all through dinner.
25. Who do you tag?
Anyone who already ate christmas cookies today.

Cookie Plate 2008

Every year I do a day or weekend of baking. I love it. It is one of the highlights of the season, creating the list of cookies and candies that make the cut, buying supplies, and baking all day and then plating it up for delivery. I also love how sugared up you feel and eating the treats isn't even an option for the first day...until day two when you can literally see yourself gaining weight.


This year I brought some new recipes to the table. I made candy for the first time and included the yummy carrot cake from my birthday. So here are the recipes and happy holiday baking! Oh and Steve helped drizzle the chocolate and dipped the peanut butter candies and he put the mints in the center of the chocolate cookies-thanks for helping Steve, you did a great job!
(Starting top center moving clockwise: peanut butter balls, coconut macaroons, chocolate mint cake mix cookies, Stefanie's caramel, lime meltaways, mexican wedding cakes, Pat's Award winning carrot cake)


Oh and I also baked with parchment for the first time and YOU NEED PARCHMENT PAPER in your life. It makes everything better, evenly baked, lightly browned cookies and no sticking!

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Chocolate Mint Cake Mix Cookies
(Recipe originally from Lexi. These are Steve’s favorites)

1 box chocolate cake mix
1 Tbsp vanilla
½ cup shortening
2 eggs
2 boxes thin mints, I like the Haviland brand and there are about 20 per box

1. Preheat oven to 350*
2. Combine all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Dough will be really thick. Tip: Sift through your cake mix first to make sure that there aren’t any clumps, it will make mixing all ingredients together a lot easier
3. Make 1 inch balls out of dough and place about an inch a part on a cookie sheet, these really turn out so much better when you use parchment paper.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes, they should look a little underdone. Take out of oven and place a mint in the center of each cookie. Transfer to a rack to cool.
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Coconut Macaroons
(Recipe courtesy of Betty Crocker with a few changes)

21 ounces flaked coconut
1 cup flour
½ tsp salt
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
2/3 cup water or milk
1 Tbsp vanilla
¼ tsp almond extract
1 egg
Chocolate for dipping or drizzling

1. Preheat oven to 350*.
2. Mix coconut, salt and flour in large bowl. Set aside. Beat milk, water, vanilla, almond extract and egg in medium bowl. Pour mixture over coconut. Mix well.
3. Drop mixture by spoonfuls onto parchment paper on cookie sheet.
4. Bake 12-14 minutes until just golden brown. Move immediately to rack or pull the parchment paper off pan.
5. Melt chocolate and drizzle over cookies, or dip them into the chocolate.


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Mexican Wedding Cakes

2 sticks butter, softened
¾ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
1½ tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1 cup finely chopped walnuts

Beat butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla.
Gradually add flour and beat until blended. Stir in walnuts. Cover and chill for 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 325* Shape dough into 1 inch balls and place on cookie sheets about 1 inch apart. Bake 15-20 minutes.
Remove cookies from pan and cool slightly. Roll in extra powdered sugar.


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Stefanie’s Caramel
(Absolutely the best)

1 cup butter
1 cup light corn syrup
14 oz sweetened condensed milk
2 cups brown sugar
¼ tsp salt

Mix all ingredients in a sauce pan.
Stirring constantly or it will burn, bring to a boil and soft boil for 18-23 minutes. At about 19 minutes it should reach the soft ball stage, take off heat and pour into glass pan. If you want to cut and package it, cook just a little bit longer.

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Peanut Butter Balls

2 cups powdered sugar
1½ cups creamy peanut butter
3 Tbsp butter

Mix all ingredients with your hands-the heat from your hands will help make the peanut butter soften. Make into teaspoon sized balls. Chill. Dip in melted chocolate.

Temple Square Extravaganza

One of the best things about still being in Utah is the Christmas lights at Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City. This year Whitney, Lauryn and I and our husbands made a fun triple date night out of it. We met at the Lindseth's for a yummy dinner of enchiladas and tostadas. The guys played Wii while us girl's did our annual gift exchange. I got the softest blanket known to mankind-thanks La!

Then we bundled up-and I mean bundled up and headed to SLC. Lauryn works for a car dealership and got us a killer Lexus that we all fit in, well the back back seat was a little cramped but Shawn was a good sport. We parked at the conference center and walked across the street to enjoy the lights. They do such am amazing job, really the man hours must be insane to put it all together. It seems like on some trees every branch is wrapped and it really is gorgeous.

I loved the pretty soft pink lights around the temple. They reminded me of being in some winter wonderland with cotton candy trees.

Steve and I in front of the temple. Don't you just love my hat? It was my grandma's.

This lovely simple nativity was sitting in the middle of the reflection pool and the floating lights with the reflection really was such a cool shot.

Lauryn, Me and Whitney

Steve and I.

All three couples. Steve, Beckie, Lauryn, Jonny, Whitney and Shawn

Kate Winslet

I adore Kate Winslet. Ever since I saw her stunning performance as Marianne Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility, I have been drawn to her. I even love her American Express commercial. I just think she is so strong and always looks so natural and beautiful and not fake or sickly thin. Plus I am super excited for her two new movies, The Reader and Revolutionary Road. I really want to see both and it will be interesting to see her with Leo again.

And how hot is this dress she wore to the Revolutionary Road premiere? Click here for preview. I think she looks amazing and the clothes are perfection and even though the voice over reminds me a little bit of Titanic, I think its going to be good.

Super cool mom of two. Click here for preview of The Reader. And thanks to Molly for leading me to this

Chicken Enchiladas

I made these enchiladas last night (recipe and photo courtesy of martha stewart) although I made a few changes and the overall consensus was that they were yummy with a spicy kick. And they were super easy and can be made ahead.


Ingredients
Serves 6
3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken breast halves
Coarse salt and ground pepper
5 garlic cloves, unpeeled
2 jars (16 ounces each) medium green salsa
3/4 cup heavy cream (I used half and half cause I already had it)
12 corn tortillas (6-inch) (I used flour tortillas)
12 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, coarsely shredded (3 cups) (I used cheddar)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Season chicken with salt and pepper; place with garlic on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted in thickest part of breast (avoiding bone) registers 165 degrees, 25 to 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine salsa and cream. (I cubed and cooked my chicken in a saute pan with some olive oil and added the garlic and salt and pepper while it was cooking)
Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. Once chicken is cool enough to handle, shred meat, discarding skin and bones. Peel and chop garlic. In a large bowl, combine chicken, garlic, and 1/2 cup salsa mixture. (I also added cheddar cheese to this mixture to put into the tortillas, I like things cheesy)
Stack tortillas flat, and wrap in damp paper towels; microwave on high for 1 minute to soften. Working with one tortilla at a time, dip in salsa mixture, lay flat, and fill with 1/3 cup chicken mixture. Roll up and arrange, seam side down, 8 enchiladas lengthwise and 4 crosswise in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining salsa mixture, then cheese. (Since I used flour tortillas I didn't need to microwave them or coat them in the mixture, they were already soft enough)
Bake until cheese is browned and salsa is bubbling, 40 to 45 minutes; let rest 10 minutes. Serve, sprinkled with cilantro, if desired.

Desert Island Game

In light of our recent ridiculous snowfall and a post by blogging molly, I have been brought to a contemplative state. What would I want to bring if I were stranded on a desert island?

Its the age old question in preparation for inevitable disaster. And while I would hope to have not only a cell phone with reception, my own personal escape vehicle preferably helicopter (cause why not?) and select members of the LOST cast to help me, these questions always relate to being stuck on the island and wanting to make sure you have some culture with you.

So what would you bring if you could bring 5 books, albums and movies? (Of course, you will have devices to play your DVD's and CD's, ironic huh?) Here's my list. You're tagged if this intrigues you, if not don't worry about it.

Books:
1. War and Peace, Tolstoy. Mostly because I want to finish it before I die and I think the tropical climate would help me with the bleak military winters.
2. Pride and Prejudice, Austen
3. Ulysses, Joyce
4. The Shopaholic Series, because I will need some light-hearted, girly reading
5. Nine Stories, Salinger

Albums:
1. Sleeping Beauty, Tchaikovsky Apparently lets bring along all of Russia's cultural success.
2. Feed the Animals, Girl Talk (the best of thousands of songs compiled nicely into one convenient album)
3. Future Sex/Love Sounds, Justin Timberlake
4. Lost and Gone Forever, Guster
5. Greatest Hits, The Beatles

Movies:
1. The Devil Wears Prada. I know, I even hate Anne Hathaway but I love Meryl Streep. And I will need to see beautiful clothes whilst wearing rags made out of airplane parts.
2. Arrested Development: The Series
3. A Christmas Story
4. Friends: The Complete Series
5. Die Hard Trilogy

Tired of your iTunes at work?

So I don't know about you all but for some reason 4148 songs is just not enough to keep me interested for 40 hours of work week. Sad that I have that much ADD, apparently it can be learned. And Pandora is equally boring now too.

Well Steve directed me to a great thing. Pitch Fork Media put out their top 100 tracks of 2008 and although a lot of them are indie type music they do have some awesome songs to peruse. And then there is a link where you can download for free if you like the song. This link will take you to the start of the list. And I have only gotten through about 10 songs but I am already loving #86 the Veronicas and I love Los Campesinos #85 but the song they chose starts with some profanity, so cover your kid's ears. And Solange #82 is equally enjoyable too.

I'm excited to see what comes as I progress through the list. Get out there and try new music.

Christmas Tree Craftiness

So this year I was totally drawn to christmas tree crafts. I don't know what it was but everything that caught my eye was a tree and since we don't have a lot of open counter/shelf space some are hanging out in the bathroom, like this one below.
Construction Paper Folded Trees, follow link for instructions. Tip: Use thinner paper as it is easier to fold and don't think you can just bust these out in 10 minutes, sad to say I think it took an hour to make both trees, while watching tv of course.

Newspaper Tree, this one also took a surprising amount of time but I love how it turned out. Oh and I was lazy and just made a tinfoil ball for the topper instead of a star but I bet you didn't even notice, huh? The good thing about all of these is that they were cheap or free. And you could totally do the newspaper one with kids.

These other ones I made don't have instructions online anywhere but I had seen them at a craft show and thought I could make them myself. I just bought a couple of Styrofoam cones at a craft store and using scrap fabric and ribbon made little trees. I love the one with the bird because the fabric is actually wood grain in lime green. Tip: Keep it simple. I started out with a lot of different fabrics and colors and it didn't look like a christmas tree but a big messy cone.

Anyway happy crafting! And no its not too late because you can always put them out again next year.

The whole effect

So I wanted to show the whole apartment in its festive wear. I was going to make christmas curtains for the screen but I think it might have been a little overwhelming. Plus, the garland looks nice. Yeah for cheap garlands I can squish into a box for 11 months and then reshape and fill with ornaments and fake poinsettias.

I was a little concerned about the black wall fitting in to the whole christmas scene but I think it works well. I like how the red chair works too and brings out the red in the decorations. And those JOY letters were supposed to be hung by ribbon on the kitchen cabinets but they ended up there and I like how they contrast with the black. Also note, the living room is really the only room that got decorated. I had some plans for the bedroom and then ran out of steam. Oh and there is also another garland over the doorway to the kitchen but it didn't make the shot. Even though our apartment is old and needs new flooring throughout, it still feels cosy and homey at christmas. I am going to be sad to leave this place eventually unless we move somewhere with a dishwasher, then I will be thrilled.

Random Pictures

Steve and I at Lauryn's reception.

Pretty flowers Steve got me for my birthday

Awesome bag Steve got me for my birthday.

Christmas Tree!

Last Friday Steve and I planned for our date to go get our Christmas tree. I was raised on the real deal. As a family we would bundle up and hunt out our perfect tree at a tree farm. Dad would cut it down with a saw and we would all "help" carry it back to the car. Even though it was freezing, your hands got sticky with pine sap and we would run off like crazy through the Christmas tree forest, it was one of the things I loved about the beginning of December. Sometimes we even went on my birthday!

Steve wanted to get a fake tree this year. I told him this is something I would NEVER compromise on. Fake trees just don't smell like Christmas-no, not even when you put those car fresheners on them.

So living in Utah, the closest tree farm was in Ogden. No thank you. We went to a lot across the street from Target. Steve is so funny because he doesn't really care but in the end he gets really into picking out one with just the right shape and height.

We brought it home and it fit perfectly. And even though it is skinny, I love it! Plus I like how you can see the ornaments. Last year they were kind of hidden in the bushiness of the tree-plus our tree was so big we had to cut off the back half so it would stand even with the wall.

We used gold, silver, red and green ball ornaments in different textures and levels of shininess. Also I made us an advent calendar-finally. I really wanted one last year but by the time I got around to it, it was Christmas. So this year, with a little inspiration from martha, although I think I made it much better, I put together these 24 tiny stockings out of fabric scraps and felt.

I even cut out all the little numbers and ironed them on. It took way too long but what are Sunday afternoons for? So each day has a stocking and each stocking has 2 pieces of candy in it, one for each of us. I love the way they turned out and they really help fill up the tree.

Birthday!

So I turned 26 on Monday and it was wonderful. You know, I have never really minded getting older. I think it is because I am happy with my life and the things I am doing. It is sad to see the marked passage of time though.

I woke up to a wonderful surprise of donuts from Steve and diet coke-as some would say, the breakfast of champions. I had to go to work but when I got there, my co-worker Julie had baked me the best carrot cake. It was so sweet of her considering it is my favorite cake. Literally it is amazing and even though I had already had a donut for breakfast, I had a slice. If you can't pig out on your birthday, when can you? I think the cake recipe is making it to my Christmas goodies plate-in miniature form of course. After the cake I went through a slight sugar shock but pulled through.

So for lunch I ran errands and had planned on eating at Taco Bell. Taco Bell? You might ask. Yes, Taco Bell the best fast food there is. And I did. Hey it's my birthday.

During the day I got lots of well wishes and a particularly excellent phone call. Thanks everyone!

After work I came home and opened presents. Steve got me the best bag and a few books I had asked for. (Too bad I'm stuck in War and Peace and won't be able to read them anytime soon. Maybe they will motivate me to get my butt moving.) I got some books from my parent's too and the best eyeliner brush EVER, a subscription to Instyle magazine, and a gift card to go shopping. Steve's mom got me yummy Williams-Sonoma peppermint soap and lotion and this gorgeous necklace from Banana.

After presents Steve took me to the Chef's Table for dinner. We had a nice romantic table by a window and could see all of Provo lit up with lights and Christmas lights. We could even see the temple. Dinner was good but not blow my mind away, the service is really what makes going to a place like that special. And I tried scallops for the first time, I am not a seafood buff. And for some reason I loved my dinner salad (it was perfectly dressed and had this amazing cheese shaved on it) and the dessert the best. We got this cinnamon chiffon cake with mascarpone frosting. Heaven. I got a gift card last Christmas from Icon and had yet to use it so we did, I'm glad we did because it saved us $50. And of course I didn't take one picture.

After dinner, we saw Four Christmases. I had been looking forward to this movie since I saw the trailer and I have to say, I was disappointed. It wasn't as funny as I thought it was going to be and Steve really didn't like it at all. Oh well.

Overall it was the best birthday I have had in a long time. Thanks Steve (and everyone else) for making it so special.

Lauryn's Wedding

Over Thanksgiving weekend my dear friend Lauryn got married and I couldn't be happier for her. They had their reception on Friday night and then got married in the Salt Lake Temple on Saturday afternoon. The sealing was beautiful and it was really wonderful to be there. Of course Lauryn made a beautiful bride. I know her and Jonny are going to be so happy together! Congratulations you guys!

Whitney, Lauryn and I outside the SLC Temple.

Gratitude

Steve and I have been asked repeatedly to substitute in primary. I think one of our neighbors needed a last minute sub one week and we have been asked a lot since then. There are people called to be the subs-maybe we should find out who they are. Regardless, it is usually a pretty enjoyable time and a nice break from sunday school and relief society.

Last week we had a sharing time about being thankful. The kids were asked to say what they were grateful for. Some kids said appropriate things like Jesus and church, some said funny things like deer and pizza and thanksgiving. I know as a child I was definitely not thankful for deer. Since we had a lesson about Jesus in our class we decorated these hand turkeys.

So in the spirit of the season, I am grateful for... (in no particular order-except the first 2)

-My wonderful husband who is the best thing that ever happened to me. I am so happy I said yes to that second date.

-The Gospel

-My job. I am so grateful I got out of Icon Security before it went under, what a blessing!

-My creativity. I love how it spurs me into action.

-Diet Coke. Steve has said that I love diet coke more than him-thats a lie...

- My friends, especially all my girl friends, you know who you are. (Whitney, Lauryn, Lexi, darbie, Sarah and Natalie) Thanks for being the best roommates, shopping companions, late night chatters and double feature movie goers.

-And of course FAMILY! I totally forgot to put this on here. Its one of those givens. But I am truly grateful for all my family.

So for thanksgiving we ate dinner at Whitney's and it was great. She made a yummy turkey and some of the best homemade stuffing I had ever eaten. There was plenty of food, some Wii action-which let me tell you, it is probably not smart to enter a foot race on a crazy full stomach and some football. Of course I didn't have time to take a pre-dinner shot so this is the aftermath.

I was in charge of a couple of sides and an apple dessert. I made this tart which turned out really good and it looked impressive too!
Hope all your thanksgivings were great!

Lime Goodness

If you subscribe to Martha, then a particularly inspiring issue is en route to your mailbox. I love baking and I love cookies and this issue is packed with wonderful ideas. I used to be way more into Martha than I currently am but I do have to say, her ability to inspire people into action is wonderful. I am a big fan of projects, hobbies and creativity in general and Martha embodies all of these things.

Anyway, a couple of years ago I found the recipe for these lime meltaways and they are perfection. Buttery, powdered sugar and lime. They are great with diet coke (or milk). And they are easy to make.

Lime Meltaways

So when the recipe for these came I was excited to try it and since key limes are like 20 for $1 I jumped on board. Well mine turned out not as pretty as these (Steve said I shouldn't even try to compare myself because Martha probably takes a whole day to make cookies) but they were yummy. The recipe has you make way too much filling so half it but they might be worth a shot. I think I am going to continue using the meltaways for my christmas cookie plates though

Yummy Key Lime Thumbprints

Happy Baking!!!

Girl's Night

Ever since I got married my friends and I have tried to have a girl's night every week or so. Its a fun way to get together, eat good food, see good (and sometimes not so good-House Bunny) movies and enjoy being together like when we were roommates.

Since Lauryn is getting married this week we thought a specal night was necessary for the occasion. We ate at the Harvest Restaurant at Thanksgiving Point and it was fabulous. The food was good and the service was even better. Go eat there. If you live in the valley and are tired of Beto's and Cafe Rio, its definately worth the drive and the money.

Then we went to the theater there and saw Twilight. I have not been a huge contributor to the mania surrounding this series. I haven't read the books, I didn't stand in line outside a Barnes and Noble for one, I didn't even think I would see the movie but I am glad I did. It was great. I actually really liked it and as I was talking with a co-worker this morning, I realized just how much I enjoyed it. I might even consider reading the book now.
If you haven't read the books, you'll be fine. They spell everything out pretty clearly and I loved all the Washington State shots. Also if you want to read something pretty funny about Twilight, read this.

I feel bad for Thanksgiving...

Conversation while driving home from the library in North Orem:

Beckie: Did those people really already have christmas lights up? WHY would you do that before Thanksgiving?
Steve: Because they are excited

Okay people, I am excited for the holidays just like everyone else. But how can you feel good about celebrating Thanksgiving with a Christmas tree set up in your living room? I think we need to give Thanksgiving a chance too.

Poor Thanksgiving, its like the red-headed step child of the holiday family. (Okay except maybe for Arbor Day)

Musings I

So I have had a lot of things on my mind lately and nothing is better than a brief but thorough brain dump.

-I love Survivor Gabon and I am so happy that the tribes have merged. It is fun to see the old Fang members finally pulling it together and taking out the big players. I was thrilled to see Charlie go, now all we need is Randy gone and I will be even happier.

- I have come to the realization War and Peace is going to be both the death of me and a great experience. I've concluded that it really is an excellent book, people aren't lying when they say it might be the best of all time-although that is definately up for debate. So much has happened already and I am only on page 393 of 1397. I have a long way to go and my hopes of finishing by the end of the year are shot unless I become a hermit.

-The new 001 movie was only okay. If you love chase scenes and no plot, then this is the movie for you. And when I say chase scene I mean chase scenes in every manner possible, plane, boat, car and foot. It was intense and sometimes I caught myself not breathing.

-I had a craft show this weekend, only 4 more holiday ones to go!-and I did my best ever. I sold 17 pillows my all time record and as crazy as this "hobby" has become, it was justification to keep going and make it through the holiday season.

-Speaking of hobbies, I went to enrichment for the 2nd time in 2 years this last week and as proud of myself as I was for actually going, I had a great time. My ward is split into either really old people and really young couple with kids. So non-parent young married women are few and far between. Needless to say, I have a hard time making friends. But I ended up having a blast at the earring making table with some ladies I've never really talked to before. Plus, I am obsessed with making earrings now, something I have never really done even though I am overall a crafty person. I even got compliments on one pair at the movie theater and could proudly say I made them myself.

-Amazing Race was a great show until Dallas started trying to have a show-mance with Star. Come on...

-How embarassing to get kicked off Top Chef because you couldn't peel an apple, sucks for you Lauren.

Okay I feel better now. Have a great day everyone!

7 Things Tag

the seven things tag (as tagged by the lovely Alayne)

7 things that attract me to my hubby:
1. His beautiful blues eyes
2. His humor
3. His love of the arts and music
4. His kindness and thoughtfulness-he never forgets anything
5. His preparedness-he is always early and he researches every decision
6. His support of my hobbies and my craziness, thanks again for this morning
7. His great kisses

7 things I love to eat:
1. Popcorn
2. French bread
3. Grilled Cheese
4. Tomatoes
5. A really good hamburger
6. Carrot Cake
7. Black Raspberry Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream

7 things I can do:
1. Drive stick
2. Watch tv, sew pillows, read Instyle and check my email all at the same time
3. Thread my serger
4. Make one fine excel spreadsheet
5. Run in a 3"+ heel
6. Teach
7. Make you laugh if you enjoy sarcasm

7 things I can't do:
1. Beat Steve at Jeopardy
2. Get to the gym regularly
3. Go without diet coke
4. wait for thanksgiving break
5. stop singing Womanizer by Britney Spears
6. Sit up straight, my posture is terrible
7. Listen to smashmouth or sugar ray-I know these groups are way old but they still come on the radio

i tag, Cal, Ang, Stef and Laura

Lauryn's Bridal Shower

Whitney and I hosted a fun bridal shower for our favorite bride-to-be, Lauryn who is getting married over Thanksgiving. It was at Whitney's house and she did a great job with the gold and white decorations (sorry no picture). Everyone had a good time with fun food, games and visiting. She got a great turnout and lots of gifts, isn't that the whole goal in the end?

Since our overall theme was a little racy, there are very few pictures that would be acceptable to put online so here are some groups shots and Lauryn with her gifts.
Lauryn and I
Lauryn and a much appreciated waffle maker
These were the gifts we gave her, what a cute wrapping job!
Amy, Whitney, Lauryn and Jill

Was I Naughty or Nice?

Of course everyone is thinking about it. Its that time of year right? Should I be expecting gifts or coal? I am thinking gifts and here is my current list of must haves.

Large hobo in Cognac from Target.

I don't normally shop at Payless because plastic hurts my feet but I saw these by Lela Rose and thought how sweet and wonderful they would look peeping out from under some slacks. I think you have to buy them online because the couple of payless stores I have been in since have not had these. Two Little Wings necklace by locallibrary


Fire In the Blood by Irene Nemirovsky
Don't judge me. I loved that final dance scene in the rain. Hot.

Dear Jessica Simpson,

Dear Jessica Simpson,

I have to admit, I am impressed. I think this is the best thing you have done, EVER (and, yes I am including Dukes of Hazaard in that list)

Good job.

love beckie

Dear People Who want to Give me Birthday and Christmas Gifts,

I want these. Or these. Or These. Or These.

love beckie

In other shoe news, as if there could be such a thing, they now have these in red. So if you hesitated on the grey ones, you now have an even better option.

Awesome Saturday

Steve and I had a wonderful weekend. Besides the killer halloween party, we went to Salt Lake City for the day. We ran a couple of errands and then found this street vendor for some really good tacos. There was a huge crowd of people so we thought it had to be good and it was. $4.50 for 6 yummy tacos with sides out of a cooler. Brilliant. (If you are in SLC, try State St and the corner of 700 S) P.S. Thanks for the drive by shout out Whitney and Shawn.

Then we went to the zoo. There is a "Renew the Zoo" bill trying to be passed in Utah and once you see the pictures of where the giraffes live, you'll vote "yes" too. The zoo was fun, we actually went there a year or so ago before we were married. The day was perfect and the weather was fall. Most of the animals were out and about too which is the best part of the zoo, obviously. See all the great pictures to experience first hand all our fun adventures.One of the best parts of the zoo is the apes, definitely. Baby Monkey who would not stay still for a picture. See how sad this giraffe place is! It was breaking our hearts Steve and a rhino. (Not a real rhino but how awesome would that be?)

Thanks mega zoom lens!Steve does measure up, just not in the arms. The only cats I like are tigers and bronze ones .

We topped off the day with a late night showing of Hitchcock's Vertigo for free at the BYU International Cinema which was spooky and fun. Thanks for the great weekend Steve!