Nice Short Break

We returned home from Vegas on Monday afternoon to snow on the ground. Not a fun welcome home gift. While there, the weather was incredible (aside for a major wind storm on Sunday night. Seriously crazy). The hotel was better than expected, we ate some great food, and we were in great company. Our stay in Vegas couldn't be better.

Our time during the days consisted of something like this:

The boys did their thing, and we girls did ours.

Lisa, Jacci and I had a blast doing girly stuff - including shopping, make overs and laying out by the pool.  The boys, however, very much enjoyed the smokey casino... or so it seemed with as much time as they spent there. They did have fun though, and our money isn't gone. :)

May I recommend:

For a semi-cheap hamburger joint on the strip, I recommend Stripburger. On top of their hickory bacon burger being quite possibly the best burger I've ever tasted, they had sweet potato fries that were no less than incredible. It was fast. The service was stupendous, and the atmosphere was fun. A small outdoor cafe located at the end of fashion show mall, it was a perfect choice for us, who needed to get back to the Mirage quickly. This is where our entertainment for that night awaited (and my next recommendation).

We purchased advanced-show discount tickets the morning of at Tix 4 Tonight (yet another recommendation), where Whoopie was there to greet us.  Corey sure was happy...

Most tickets are sold here at half price. Best way to go.

One word for this show - unbelievable! I had never been to a Cirque Du Soleil show. From what I understand, most of them don't have a story line attached to them... only incredible tricks and one crazy stunt after another. "Love" had a story line (even if it was a bit hard to follow), and the music was amazing. Of course. We were entertained the entire time.

In front of the "Love" background, being dorks... a little blurry, but we got some fun shots.

Lisa, me and Jacci on our way down to Vegas... clearly, we needed some makeup. Which is why, on the first day, we decided to get make overs at the Bare Escentuals store - that makeup is pure magic.

Our "after" shots

We spent some time trying on dresses after that. Too much fun. Pretty sure the sweet sales clerk was just humoring us... I think she may have known we weren't there to purchase a $300 dress. Not that any of them were even modest, as clearly demonstrated in the picture below.

Scandalous, I know...

We stayed at Treasure Island, and really liked it.

John, Lisa, me, Chris, Jacci, Corey

On the tram to the Mirage...

This is Jacci's early morning look...

Me and Jacci... being as cool as you could possibly be.

At the pool...

John and Chris... such posers. :)

The crazy boys...

Chris, Corey and John

Dinner at Stripburger

Jacci and Corey

And of course, you can't go to Vegas without making that In-N-Out stop.

We had a blast guys... can't wait for our next trip!

What Happens in Vegas...

Here we come!

Did I Learn Anything?

I adored my mission presidents while serving in California, and I still talk with them from time to time.  My second mission president's wife, sister Gwen Beck, made an impression on me that I won't soon forget.  I learned so much from her.  Just to give you an idea of what this woman is like, I will share one conversation in particular that I remember the most when she comes to mind.

It was zone conference.  We were sitting at lunch with a guest speaker who had come for that particular meeting.  After several minutes of small talk and such, the conversation went like this:

Sister Beck: "Now, I have a question."

Guest Speaker: "Absolutely."

Sister Beck: (After a few moments of silence, as if in contemplation) "... Nevermind, it's borderline gossip."

I watched as she moved on without hesitation, seeming to forget what was on her mind altogether.  Though it was quite short, that small bit of conversation has been glued to mind ever since.  I try to apply that principle whenever I have something to say that is "borderline gossip." Am I the same, steering away from the conversation altogether, or do I let it stew in my brain, until finally, I ask anyway? Or even worse, ask without hesitation?

My next experience with Sister Beck still haunts (for lack of a better word) me to this day.  President Beck once told us that his wife hates the word "suck."  He assured us that if we ever want to make her angry,  saying "that sucks" in regards to something would do the trick. So, in addition to not gossiping,  I have also tried to limit my use of the word "suck."  It's not as easy as one may think.

Recently, Kelly Clarkson put out a song called "My Life Would Suck Without You."  I can't deny the fact that the song is good.  The beat is awesome and it's a catchy tune.  But, the lyric after which the song is named still gets to me, even after listening to the song repeatedly.  I can't help but wonder what Sister Beck would think about it.  A little strange, I know.  I should have turned it off the first time I heard it.  But, despite my better judgement, I now own the CD.  And I might add that it is her best record yet.

 

Did I learn anything from that incredible woman who has made such an impact in my life? Fortunately, the above mentioned song is the only track on the CD that leaves me questioning.

Uh-Oh...

I love to shop.  I've not been able to go often as of late, and  I dream of the day that I can afford to shop with only myself in mind... selfish? Uh huh.  The day I'm speaking of may not come.  Ever.  That is, of course, unless I find a solution to my biggest issue... money. 

Enter Uptown Cheapskate.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I walked in...  I've been to some consignment shops that resemble little more than a hole in the wall, with absolutely no organization and more items that are twice the size of an average adult than anything else .

I took some pants in with me in hopes for some store credit in exchange.  They gladly took them off my hands right away, and gave me an option of the credit or cash.  I was loving this store already.

Despite the fact that it's only been open for three weeks, it was packed with clothes.  They have shirts.  They have skirts.  Jeans.  Dresses.  Bags.  Jewelry.  Belts.  Shoes... oh the shoes.  There was just too much...  I was there for an hour and only looked through half of it.  I had to stop myself at one point and force myself into a dressing room - and avert my eyes while on the way.

I walked away with some seriously cute shoes and jeans that I fell in love with. The price? $16.00 (after the store credit, which was $5.00).  Good deal?  I think yes.

Go today... and make sure you have more than an hour.

Once A Year...?

Girl Scout cookie time - tell me who (aside from your pocketbook) isn't excited about this time of year?  Thanks to those darling little girls, I am cursed when I open up a box of thin mints... I can't seem to have just one.  Or two.  Let's be honest... the serving size is four cookies and I still can't stop.  Before I know it, the entire sleeve is gone.  

Oops.  I don't suppose I'll be jumping on that scale any time soon.

Samoas bring the same problem. However, I will give them the advantage; they are more filling.  I can't eat as many in one sitting without feeling sick and regretting my decision to begin eating them.  Usually, I can limit myself.  Thank goodness... these are, by far, my favorite.

While surfing the web today, I stumbled upon some recipes for these charming little devils.  In case you're interested, thin mints and samoas.

I don't know how I feel about this.  A part of me would like to shout for joy for the fact that I am no longer required to wait for this season to come around... and another part wants to stay as far away from these homemade goodies altogether.  Unfortunately, for my sake (and my scale's), I've chosen to shout for joy.  Let's hope I won't have the will or the energy to make them too often.

Thanks... But No Thanks

Dear Mary Kay,

Is the "Mary Kay Dream" truly what it claims to be?  Some would say yes:  Sell makeup.  Get free products.  Earn "free" cars.  Run, essentially, your own business, making your own hours and getting together with women frequently to "learn new strategies" to sell.  All women love to gossip, right?

I don't want to offend you.  I am just venting a little, so please allow me the room.  I will say that, for a lot of people, your program works.  I am actually amazed at these women who work their tooshie off and get their (pink) cadillac.  I have relatives and friends who have done this... and only one has successfully stuck to it.  Kudos to her.

I can't say I don't love your products.  But one of my problems with this business is that it's all or nothing. You will get nothing if you do nothing.  And, as such, the more you do, the more you get from it.  Each time I get suckered (excuse the expression) into going to one of your "meetings"  in a bit of a dingy room in a warehouse-type building, I feel pressured as I sit there, feeling I must come up with as many names as I can of as many friends as I have so I can get something "free" from your "magic" makeup kits... just to get my friends dragged into the same "opportunity" I am now sitting through.

I will say this, however: your ladies do a dang good job. I can say that when I have the lucky chance to attend one of these meetings, I feel like I could do it.  I could sell this stuff.  I could throw parties and make them seem fabulous... pedicures, facials, and my favorite, "microdermabrasion."  (What is that, anyway?)  They make it seem so glamorous and easy. But, most experiences, that I have seen, don't end well.  I have even heard that you give others a hard time when they stop selling, calling them names or telling them they are quitters.  Come on. That's not very nice.

The point I'm trying to make is... I know that your program can be a good thing. But for us, on the non-sales end, it can be exhausting. Please, stop trying to get us any more involved than we want to be.  We will contact you, and we will buy your products, when we want them.  Let us make the decision for ourselves if we choose to follow the "Mary Kay Dream."  We will start returning your phone calls as soon as you stop making them so often.

I have agreed to let one of your ladies come to my home tonight to share her products with myself and a few friends.  Please don't be pushy.  Please just let us relax and enjoy ourselves... that is, after all, what the American woman really needs, despite the advice to join your team.  We work hard already and we don't need anything else on our table.

Thank you for your time.

Warning

These guys

+

+

+

= No good. 

Luckily, Chris has a stomach made of steel (promise... give him anything to eat and he never has issues).  I don't think there's a need to go into details on what would happen to me if I did the same.

Joan's 50th

My father-in-law Nephi decided to throw my mother-in-law a surprise 50th birthday bash. My sister-in-law Julie and I agreed to help (never mind that she lives in another state... that's another story in itself). We had about 2 and a half weeks to plan (yikes). With all of us working full time and trying to keep a secret, it actually went rather well. I put an invitation together with a cute picture and a poem.

Birthday number fifty – those who’ve

Reached this number know

It’s only how you feel that counts

And there’s still room to grow

Grow in love for others,

Grow in strength from years,

Grow in faith from knowledge,

Through laughter, strife and tears

This year is a special one

For this woman so blessed,

Please come celebrate with us –

Because she deserves the best!

There was a good turn out, and I think everyone enjoyed themselves.

At least, enjoyed the food. 

We had a couple of chocolate fountains, and I don't think anyone had any complaints.

We chose a combination of flowers for the centerpieces. I think they turned out cute.

We were down to the wire with guests coming about a half hour before she was supposed to show up.... and I was still ironing table cloths. The stress hadn't really settled in up until that point... and I can't say that I remember how it was all pulled together. There was more

going on at that point than I could even keep track.

It was all worth it to see the look on Joan's face when she saw my brother-in-law Aaron and his wife Julie.

Attending Case Western University in Ohio, it's quite difficult to find tickets (at a reasonable price) to come out on such short notice.  After the big surprise from everyone else, he sat down quietly and put his arm around her, much to her disbelief.

After turning around to slug her husband when he led her into a room full of people shouting "surprise!" Joan seemed to enjoy herself.

We hit our target. She was happy. She really does deserve the best. 

I love this woman and I am so happy to be a part of her family.

Pay It Forward... Homemade Style

It's time for me to make something special for three people (the first three to leave a comment). Those three, in turn, post this (or something similar) on their blogs and make something for three of their readers... and so on.

However...

1. You can't request what you want from me. I make what I want to. For you. It could be a homemade treat. It may be a new creation on my sewing machine... but it will be unique for you.

2. There is no time limit on this. You could get it in a week, it may be  a month. 

(This is a good thing. It keeps it a surprise.)

3. You have to be willing to pay it forward. And it has to be homemade. That's the point!

So leave a comment... and let me know you you are willing to pay it forward. After all, it feels good to do something for someone else!

Heather's Apron

Heather asked me for an apron for her brithday. We must have been on the same wavelength, because I planned on making one for her anyway. So, here's my first attempt (actually second attempt... Jacci and I tried to make one and it didn't quite work out) at an apron.

It turned out pretty well. Due to lack of fabric, I had to change the shape a bit, but I think it worked out ok.

I think she liked it... and it looks cute on her!

Late Night Sewing Madness

I've been learning how to sew. And though I just started, I've been loving it. I love seeing a pattern and trying putting it together... no matter how many times I may screw up, have to pick out that darn stitch and start over. I still can't read a pattern that well. They assume that you have basic knowledge before beginning to sew. Most of us do not.

Perhaps I should get this book? I think I need it.

Last month Tara, Jacci and I made check covers. Simple project. We thought we'd do something with a pattern this time around. I found a cute hand bag pattern, so we decided to do it.

We started a little later, due to prior obligations (I was supposed to go to a baby shower but the girl had her baby instead), so we began the project around 2:00. I have to thank Tara (yet again), for her undeviating patience and willingness to be our mentor and coach - since none of us knew what we were doing... and we really didn't (the sad thing was that as the project went on, I was hardly able to pay attention so I could make another one sometime). Since there were three of us ametures and only one Tara, she was torn between all of us (her sister-in-law Jenny came too) relentlessly asking, "what's next?" or "now what?"

Tara had this gorgeous design she pieced together on the front of her bag - which gave Jacci and I the idea of making our own design, too. Though it really makes the bag, I may not have taken as long if I hadn't done it. I think it took up the bulk of my time.

When 6:00 rolled around, we weren't even close to being done. I believe it was Tara who said, "It's a bummer we won't get to finish these." It was then that Jacci piped up and said, "wait... why aren't we finishing?" Tara: "It's almost 6:00, and Ryan will be home soon." Jacci willingly volunteered her house (luckily they live just across the walkway from each other in their complex), and we all decided that we better not leave it unfinished. We also realized that our schedules wouldn't have allowed us to get together again until next month. We took a break for dinner, and switched houses. We headed over to Jacci's... and there we stayed.

Before we knew it, it was 10:00. Not done. I think the brownies Jacci made pulled us through... as it turned out, we needed them. Midnight rolled around... still working. 1:00 came and went... 2:00 (which magically turned into 3:00 with daylight savings) came and went...

4:00... almost done... I think it was about 4:20 when I finally finished (yes, I was the last one. Jacci had finished about a half hour/hour before me). Tara was there until about 3:45 or 4:00. I think we each took turns saying something rather unsophisticated, but I suppose there weren't 5 minutes that went by that didn't have us in stitches from one of those unsophisticated statements. Interesting how things always seem to be funnier after midnight, isn't it? Thanks for sticking it out, girls - I had actually had a blast. I can't say there's anyone I'd rather sew with in the wee hours of the morning...

The bags did turn out really cute though, and we were impressed with ourselves. Tara, unfortunately, didn't get her bag done. She took one for the team on this one... we owe you big time!

My creation...

The bags were quite a bit more roomy than we thought they would be. They were perfect.

My homemade design, inspired by Tara.

Jacci's bag...

This is Jacci's design. Talk about talent!

She pieced her bag together by sewing the strips of fabric together. Genius, that girl is.

I pulled up at home at 4:45, heading to bed at the glorious hour of 5:00 am, only to get up at about 7:30 and drift in and out of sleep until 9:30 when it was time to get ready for church. Surprisingly, I survived the entire day without a nap. Miracle? I think so.

Next month we will be sewing skirts. Wish us luck...