My halloween costume.

Well, I was a Utah fan for halloween. Good, eh? I still can't believe I was there. I almost don't even want to go into work tomorrow...I'll get some talking to. But for my defense, I did not wear any Utah gear. I'll say it was a good experience; an experience every BYU fan should have in order to fully appreciate our Cougs. So at least I can say I'm well cultured now, but I do admit I felt very welcomed.

Me and Lauren...oh I love this girl.

But no, I didn't legitimately dress up for the holiday. I'm excited to see the costumes on campus tomorrow--that will be interesting. I'm also so excited to go trick-or-treating with my niece Allie tomorrow. (She's dressing up as a crayon!) Oh, I just want to squish her little cheeks every time I see her. I can't believe she's almost 2 years old! They grow up too fast.

Mary--I stole this again. I just had to put up this picture of her.
Go Cougs :)

Overall, it has been a fantastic weekend. No homework, three weeks until Thanksgiving break, and hanging out with some great friends. Oh, and the leaves are changing at my house! I can't say enough how refreshing it was to pull into my driveway and see those bright red trees. Now, where is ski season? I went down to the basement yesterday to visit my skis and man, do they look lonely.

Rushmore/Everest dating paradigm.

So...the Wilk crew. We sit there in the Wilk for at least two hours during our lunch break every Monday and Wednesday discussing nothing but relationships. Giving advice, asking advice...it is probably the most humorous part of my week. Let's be honest, it is. We've even expanded from the Wilk to Monday night bowling activities. We've got quite a crew. Anyway, yesterday at our round table, Austin came up with the Mt. Rushmore/Mt. Everest dating paradigm. So of course I took the liberty to write a column about his findings, and had a pretty good time with it. Do you agree?

MOUNT RUSHMORE/EVEREST DATING PARADIGM

How five equals one.

           

Your very own Mt. Rushmore. It consists of four individuals who you consider to be “your top four.” The four men/women who you would do absolutely anything for them to take a second glance at you. Just like the actual Mt. Rushmore, you aren’t able to touch it. You’re only able to view them with binoculars, like a tourist, from a distance—a long distance.

You all know whom I’m talking about, the individuals who you’ve never talked to, but are initially interested in what they have to offer.  You’re not even friends, so there is no scare of either party getting put in the “friend zone.” They are the men/women that you believe are “super hot” and “have it all together,” but in all reality, you have no idea what kind of a background personality or they have.  Just like you’d pay for a plane ticket to fly out to South Dakota and view the four presidents that really don’t know who you are, your four Rushmores have no idea you even exist. As long as they could potentially look good on your arm at your family Christmas party, they’re a candidate for Rushmore.

On the other hand, there’s a girl/boy, separate from your Mt. Rushmore—your Mt. Everest. Mt. Everest is a feat to climb, as everyone knows. You conquer it, chicken out, or die. There is no way around it. The dedicated, and the ones who prepare years in advance for the climb only accomplish it.  They are in reach…if you’re willing to put in the effort.

The first (and biggest) key component to moving a chick/dude from Rushmore to Everest, is to meet them and to figure out if they’ve even got an IQ. Once that has taken place and there is obvious interest, the next step is a date. Not a group date, a single date. If they start toying with one of your bros/girls on that group date, your Everest has fallen off the cliff. So—single date. Only after that successful first date do you pull out your ice pick to climb the last half of the mountain. You dig and dig, hoping for some reward. You’re confused because all you see is clear, cold ice…until you get to the top. Then you can see the whole world. You’ve done it. You are now their Mr. or Mrs. You don’t really know how you got there, but you’re sure glad you did.

Now, let’s say Everest doesn’t go as planned. He/she never calls you back after the first date, or you do in fact, see him/her with your best friend. He/she is no longer an Everest, or even considered a Rushmore anymore. They’re just a simple, lowly, ex-potential that you’ve kicked off the cliff yourself. They have lost all chances to ever be to your top of Everest caliber.

If followed this Rushmore/Everest paradigm verbatim, you’ll never settle. You’ll eventually end up with your Everest. You’ll never go back to any Rushmore, and you’ll forever have the feeling of sweet success.

Why I'll vote in 2012.

Disclaimer: Some of you will not agree with me, so don't feel like you need to read this and start a huge discussion about who is right, and who is wrong. But here's why I'm voting for Mitt Romney.

I've had the chance a couple of times to meet Governor Romney. Once when he ran in '08, and a couple months ago at a fundraiser in Salt Lake. He treated me like I was more important than he is. The President shouldn't be a dictator, and he knows that and how to be an effective leader, but at the same time act on the "same plane" as everyone else.

I've been able to work on Romney's campaign for a few months now, and my favorite thing about it: I've met so many awesome, driven people.  I love that everyone on the campaign has the same time-line, and we all work together towards one common goal. We're all on the same page, and we share our successes together. (i.e. 13,000 calls on National Call Day from our call center alone!) I also love that everyone on the campaign here on campus has busy lives; we aren't just college kids looking for something to put on our resume. We really care about changing something that will, no doubt, affect us.

Here are just 4 out of many reasons why I'll cast my ballot for Governor Romney:

• If elected, he already knows what he'll do in office. He's got a specific fact sheet of five bills and five executive orders of what he'll do on day one. (Too long to put on here...if you want it I'll send it to you.) So he's not just trying to tell us what we want to hear. He's never changed his mind on what needs done for America.
• He's already got a history of turning struggling organizations around, has done his research, and understands the economy more than any other candidate. 
• He's committed to lower taxes, whatever it takes--including cutting spending from the federal government itself. Why am I in favor of that? It's a free country. Let's do what we want, work as hard as we can to make our own money, and live life peacefully (with much less governmental interaction) with our families that is my classic "American dream." 
• He's not forgetting the military and the victories we've already established in Iraq. How about I just quote in Romney's own words: “President Obama’s astonishing failure to secure an orderly transition in Iraq has unnecessarily put at risk the victories that were won through the blood and sacrifice of thousands of American men and women. The unavoidable question is whether this decision is the result of a naked political calculation or simply sheer ineptitude in negotiations with the Iraqi government. The American people deserve to hear the recommendations that were made by our military commanders in Iraq.”

You guys, our government is shattered. We need someone like Mitt who will stand up and sacrifice for the goal of the majority. This is my first presidential election I get to vote, and I'm so excited to be a part of it. No, I'm not getting paid to write this, and I don't get paid for any of the work on the campaign! It's all volunteer for us--because we all believe America needs to be fixed...asap. Granted, I've still got a lot to learn about politics, but this one is apparent: I'll be raising my kids when Obama's failed policies really come into play, and I'm going to do something about it right now.

A good, sum up quote from our newest team member, Former NH Governor/White House Chief of Staff John H. Sununu:

“I’m supporting Governor Romney because he is a solid conservative who is committed to reducing taxes, cutting spending and preserving America’s military strength. Mitt has served as a governor, had a successful career in the private sector, and acquired the executive experience needed to turn around our economy and fix our broken government,” said Governor Sununu. “He has demonstrated that he is the strongest candidate to take on President Obama in 2012 and restore fiscal sanity to Washington.”

With that being said. I hope you vote in the primary election (if you're Republican) and then please vote in 2012. Watch the debate on November 9th (6 p.m. Mountain Time on CNBC) to decide who you're going to vote for. Do your research, and vote for who you believe in. Just please, vote.

Yeah, it's THAT good.

Kaitlin and I listen to this on repeat. We were discussing last night when the time will come when we actually get sick of it, I think we decided on...never. It makes it even better when I can't decide which one I like better; this cover, or the actual song. (Wow, I can't believe I just admitted that...over Adele?!) That being said, please drop everything you're doing and watch this. Get ready to bookmark this on your toolbar.

Right? Right???!!??!!!!! Now try not to watch it again. Just try. YOU CAN'T DO IT HUH?!

Oh and if you don't have one already, get a Spotify account. Don't know what that is? Google it. Then download it.

Learning curve.

Have you ever loved someone so much you would do anything for them?


It's absolutely true when people say ,"you love the people you serve." If that's not apparent, maybe it takes a quick turnaround to realize that love will never be found unless it's given out in the first place.

"Love grows by giving. The love we give away is the only love we keep. The only way to retain love is to give it away." -Elbert Hubbard

I love little quotes like this. It makes me think deeper...think that life never revolved around my 15-year old mind. This afternoon I started to type all of my journals (a bigger project than I thought) and it's so interesting to see how my thoughts have changed so much. I was so worried about me, when it should have been obvious other people had problems bigger than just boys at that age. This quote absolutely sums up everything I've learned in the past five years. Everyone that has stayed a big part of my life, I've had a huge opportunity to serve them in one way or another. I think it goes without saying there are a few people I would move mountains for, just because I was the lucky one that got to make life a bit easier for them. It's got to be the greatest feeling in the world. After all, it is love.

My weekend in Park City.

When my mom called to tell me we had a timeshare this week in Park City, I could hear the hallelujah chorus. 

It was beautiful, to say the least. I'll admit my breath was taken away multiple times this weekend. I got up there on Thursday and stayed until this morning (I had to come back to Provo to watch my Cougs kill the Bengals). Although there was no concerts, summer lifts open, or really anything going on up there, it was so relaxing just to be in the mountains. We got out the tennis rackets, went to the Olympic Park, took a 4-wheeler ride through red and yellow trees, walked along Main...basically just drinking it all in. 

Okay not that kind of drinking. But I thought this
was indicative of the weekend.

Spence found himself a new friend on Main Street.

Okay so I didn't take this picture: http://www.skisnowboard.com/parkcity/nightlife.html
But this...is Main Street.

I don't know what Park City does to me, but it does something good. Maybe it's the excitement I get going up there knowing it's almost ski season, or just the plain fact that it is Park City, and everything is either made of rock, wood, or brick. Amazing. And it's only a 45 minute drive to pure bliss. If you haven't been there, you have about a month to get up there before the snow takes over the valley. Although that is just as gorgeous, you can't miss the cozy sweater weather right now. GO!

Park City: reason #214 why I love Utah. 

For the love...

of volleyball. 


Whoever knew my high school coach Salvo...you know that was her saying. For everything. But mostly when we were too lazy to dive for a ball across the court. "For the love, Monica!" (That was usually for everything when it was directed towards me.) I actually kind of miss her saying that. Because that means I was at practice. And being at practice means I was playing volleyball for hours a day. And playing volleyball for hours a day equals happiness. And now...I'm in college and I never play. 

Sophomore year ('07) with Sarah, Kalli, Megan, me and Fi just...warming up.
Excuse my pose that every sophomore did that year in every picture.

But guess what? Our first intramural game is tonight! 


Last week I saw my friend Connor (who is an incredible setter from Canada) while I was on Mitt Romney booth duty. We used to play a bunch last year, but since I've moved I haven't seen him at all. So naturally I asked him when they were playing next, and he said they had an extra spot on the team. WOOT! I get to finally play again! The great thing about it, is that I haven't lost a thing. In fact, I'm stronger than I was in high school, so I can hit so much harder and jump so much higher. I mean if I wouldn't have kept in shape I wouldn't have been...anyway, I am stoked to say the least. We're going to dominate. Wish us luck! 


...and I really want one of those t-shirts.

To love at all.

"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entaglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket--safe, dark, motionless, airless--it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable."

-C.S. Lewis

[Via Pinterest]

It's your choice.

I often get asked the question, "why are you so happy all the time?"


It's so simple. I choose to be happy.


Believe me, there have been times where I thought the world was over. I thought there was no way I could ever have the same relationship with a friend again, that I would never be good enough for someone, or that I would never be good enough to really succeed in what I truly desired to do. I've been told I can't do things, I don't know what I'm talking about, and that I am wasting my time.


My parents and grandparents periodically remind me that the first word I ever spoke was, indeed, "happy." Now in my very early twenties, I am the happiest I've ever been. I'm happy because not everything works out for me. I've got trials that make me grow closer to Who I believe in and make me realize who I'm becoming. There's no reason for me not to be happy when I'm secure with my life and feel strongly in what I want to do with it. I find it hard to accept the fact when people tell me there's nothing they can do for themselves, and they give up on a goal or a dream. They really start to believe that is the way God made them, and that life is supposed to be trial after trial, test after test. I refuse to believe that. The trials come when you are trying your hardest on that goal or dream, your heart breaks, and He leads you in a different, better direction than you never even thought of. The happiness comes when you are in pursuit of those dreams, and after the fact--the realization that you are in a much greater situation for success.

What I've come to learn is that the Lord has His paths. There's a different path for each one of us; no one travels on the same path. Ever. But, we are all twisting and carving our way to the exact same place. Just because one thing didn't work for me, it may work perfectly for another, and vice versa. Just because I wanted to be someone, doesn't mean that's who I was supposed to be all along. I'm supposed to be someone better.


I believe that life should be lived to the fullest. I (strongly) believe love is a reward. I believe success can be determined through levels of happiness. I believe that happiness is a sign of security within yourself. Although I am not currently doing everything I had dreamed I would be doing, I'm doing everything that is making me happy. Let me tell you, it's working.


I hope I don't come across as one of those people that are "happy" and smiling all the time. I guarantee everyone isn't blissful every second of their lives--that is all pretend. But I do smile, and I am happy because I stand up for what I believe in. I ignore it when someone tries to tell me I can't do something. The overall effect on what you have been given is what you ultimately decide upon. It's your choice. Choose to be happy. I did.

Bucket List.

I don't know why I haven't written this down sooner. It will be added to as the years go on, but for now in my 20 years of life, this is my bucket list. Obviously, the ones crossed off have already been done. And really, these are things I will do. Not just things I want to do. Mark my words.

-Open my eyes on the Terror Ride at Lagoon.

-Work on a presidential campaign.

-Road trip across the contiguous 48 states. On the back of a motorcycle.

-Jump the wake.

-Go on a safari.

-Read Mere Christianity.

-Skydive over Jackson Hole. 

-Go on a horse trip in the Tetons. 

-Be a lead in a musical.

-Graduate from college and go on to earn a Master's degree.

-Visit the smallest country in the world.

-Cook a Thanksgiving meal by myself.

-Watch ESPN live backstage.

-Backpack through Europe with my husband. (And kiss on the Eiffel.)

-Attend James Taylor and Carole King concert.

-Ski the Swiss Alps.

-Learn to drive stick shift.

-Live on a budget. 

-Publish an article in the newspaper.

-Become a sideline reporter.

-Raise children that know how to work.  

-Sing "16 going on 17" in that one gazebo in Austria. 
Take a nap in Central Park.

-Learn to Juggle.

-Always be in my best shape. 

-Write letters to a pen pal.

-Travel to 6 continents (except Antarctica. No desire.)

-Become an amateur photographer.
-Travel somewhere with all of my best friends.

-Live so my daughter will want to grow up to be just like me. 

-Marry a man who my sons will want to grow up to be.

-See Wicked on Broadway.

-See Les Miserables on Broadway.

-Teach the Gospel overseas.

-Scuba dive with sharks.

-Interview a world champion.

-Plant a garden. (And keep it alive.)

-Attend a concert at Carnegie Hall.
-Eat at one of the oldest restaurants in the world.

-Visit 3 more of the Seven Wonders of the World.

-Hear my future husband and kids say, "you're the best cook in the world!"

-See The David and the Mona Lisa.

-Have at least a 5 minute conversation with someone in Spanish.

-Learn to play chess.

-Shop at Harrods in London. 

-Own a Steinway.

-Get sealed to my best friend and love of my life.

Notice that nothing has to do with science or math. I leave that up to the smart ones who have numbers and formulas running through their veins. I just trust them to tell me what I need to know. I figure if there's anything crucial...I'll put it on the news, right? 

It's interesting to think how long we have to get these things accomplished. None of us actually know, so now would be the perfect time to start.

Traveling with all of my best friends. NYC 2009

Eating at the St. Peter Stiftkeller, founded in 802 A.D. Saltzburg, Austria.

Working on the Mitt Romney presidential campaign at HQ in Boston. Go Mitt 2012!

Growing up and wanting to be a clone of my mother.

 "Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die tomorrow." -James Dean

 

Halfway done.

I'm halfway done with my first semester of being an upperclassman. I have three more semesters to go.  But really, halfway already? Where did this time go? I swear I was just sitting in my Book of Mormon class freshman year at 7 a.m. wondering what the heck I was thinking signing up for something that early. Now I'm closer to graduating than I am to living at good 'ole Heritage. Oh...Heritage.

Two and a half years later, I've still got final project ideas to think of, midterms to take (thankfully all online...we can thank journalism again for that one), and a lot of Cougar Club hours to work. No, I'm not counting down until Christmas break....ahem...9 weeks. I do find myself planning weekends in very far advance so I have something to look forward to on my calendar, and occasionally just writing in fun things so it looks like I'm doing something cool.  I did go bowling with the Wilk Crew last Monday though. That was an epic day for my social life.

Lexi and I bowling with the Wilk Crew. My worst day bowling yet...
although I came in second place and was happy about it!

I have done very well this semester, and I accredit it to getting enough sleep, living with my cousin and Kaitlin, and signing up for classes that are helpful to my life. I've noticed that I've been very motivated in going to every class, because I know I am going to learn something there that I will need for future reference. And when I say future I don't mean for my next test. I mean, the future. My theory hasn't let me down yet. 

I also have to mention the front page article yesterday morning: "A profession not for the faint-of heart" Read it. Yay to Briana for making front page! 

Now after you've read that, can I say how proud I am of my major? Not enough. It was created for me. And also can I say how proud I am of my friends in the major? They're going places, and I'm lucky enough to have my name next to theirs. Everyone is outgoing and so eager to make friends in the newsroom. It's the perfect place for me. 


It's Wednesday, and my week is practically over. Then onto another week, booked with a trip to the State Capitol for my research class, then onto looking forward to another weekend...that will be spent in Park City with friends! Hooray for mom booking a lodge up at the Marriott. After that...7 weeks until Christmas break. Optimism.

Next baptism: Anderson Cooper.

This is the greatest thing I've ever seen. Okay not the greatest, but seriously. It's up there.


Being a journalist, this is the stuff we live for. Hilarious interviews. But it gets even better when the interviewee starts bashing on...our "cult" in this case...and has to backtrack, because in the middle of the interview he realizes he's losing his congregation to the LDS church as he speaks. This is simply fantastic. I got this straight from his "What We Believe" website:


We believe that God instructs Christians to cultivate loving relationships as a community of believers. Therefore, we will actively pursue personal, family, and staff relationships characterized by integrity, mutual accountability, mutual serving, mutual encouragement, and mutual honoring. (http://www.firstdallas.org/about-us/what-we-believe/)


He obviously exemplifies all of that plus more in this interview: An-der-son! An-der-son!

Mr. Jeffress, I'd like to introduce you to my "mormon cult" friends Chad Lewis, Bryan Kehl, Trevor Matich and Jason Buck. Wanna say that again? 

Brandon, The Target cashier.

The key to enjoying life: noticing the details. The little things are what make a friendship, a relationship, or a love. They are what you remember of people and of memories. The details are the beautiful in life.


While I was in the check out line at Target (buying that new mustard yellow v-neck...great purchase) I came across one of the most optimistic people I've ever met--Brandon. He simply asked how my day was going, and I just told him it has been great so far. I asked him the same question, and he said, "I'm having the best day of my life!" 


I then noticed it wasn't his fault that he couldn't look me in the eye, and had a hard time speaking and concentrating. It was apparent he had some sort of mental disability. I went on to ask him why it was such a great day for him, and he told me it was because he had a goal. I asked him what the goal it was and he just stopped, grew the biggest smile on his face and said, "I'm going to the Celestial Kingdom!"


It's interesting how one small conversation can put a different perspective on my life. Brandon is completely right, he's straight on his way to the Celestial Kingdom. I couldn't help but smile walking out of the store, and on my way home I thought about where Brandon's thoughts are probably all day. If his goal to the Kingdom is the first thing that comes to mind, he's a man of God. I think those are one kind of angels He puts down in our lives just to remind us of the love He has for each one of us. The little things that they say or do make up the bigger picture, and Brandon's bigger picture...is never ending.

Beauty product must haves...part 2.

This blog thing is so fun! I get to write what I want, when I want...it's a fantastic outlet for a journalism major. And a much better "productive procrastination" alternative than Facebook. 


I had such a great response to the first post, and thought about many more things that I had forgotten about before I published the last one. Here's a part 2 to what I have found most helpful, but this is combined with more tips than anything. I get most of my tips from my mother (okay, what am I saying...I get everything from her) which I consider her to be the highest source of beauty tips in my book. But look how cool she is! This is her flying in a Blackhawk over Afghanistan with the troops. And she still manages to look beautiful. I don't mind showing her off one bit.

• First, the foundation that I have found works the best is CoverGirl Advanced Radiance. It has an SPF of 10 and goes on super light. It also has a little pump that doesn't make a mess, and it really lasts 4-5 months. This is what I mix with the baby lotion. My mom also swears by this as well.

• For those of us that haven't been blessed with olive skin or any hope of getting a tan in the summer: Jergens Natural Glow. It cost about $7-$8 a bottle, which lasts for a few months. It isn't a tanning lotion or a tanning mousse thing, it actually won't make you tan. It will make you a few shades darker if used religiously, but the only thing that it really will do is give you color to bring out the tone in your skin, so it doesn't appear as blinding. I highly recommend this.

• Yes, my hair is from a box. I get asked if it is my natural color all the time, and people are always surprised when I tell them I'm a natural blonde. And I don't even go to the salon for my brunette-hood! And when it says ten minutes...it literally...takes ten minutes. Get someone to help you, though. Make sure to wash your hair in cold/cool water (cold for the first week, cool for the rest of the time, about 6 weeks before roots grow in) and the color will actually stay in your hair and keep bright. Here's what I use. I also get the brass-free to avoid the red. But this also is from going from blonde to brown. I've heard that going brown to blonde...you need a salon to avoid all damage. Sorry. If you're a blonde and have always been thinking about it...do it! It's semi-permanent and it comes out in a few hot showers.

• I switch off using a different type of face wash. I have 3 different cleansers that I trade daily. It makes your skin not "used to" one kind, so it kills bacteria a lot faster. I switch off between that Clear Pore I mentioned before, Deep Clean Cream Cleanser, and the Deep Clean invigorating scrub. I'm a huge Neutrogena fan. 

• The same thing goes for using different shampoos/conditioners...only I buy one at a time though. I buy a different brand every time I run out to get different vitamins from each one. Right now I'm using Tresemme Color shampoo and conditioner, but I switch to Pantene Pro-V and Herbal Essences. Those won't kill your hair if you keep switching up your shampoo and conditioner.

• There always seems to be a question of what eyebrows should look like. On number one, they really are supposed to be that far out. If you don't have eyebrows that grow past that like I do, I just take a pencil lighter than my actual brow color and draw the tiniest little line. Seriously, so tiny. On number one, your eyebrow is supposed to begin right in line with your eye. The tiniest differences makes a huge difference in the overall look. Again, what I'm going for is most natural, but most groomed.

• When blow-drying, start from your roots and do those first. Make sure they are all dry, then move on to the rest of your hair. That prevents the hair from drying on your scalp and having a flat hair day. Story of my life in Jr. High. But this dryer is one of the best...I really like any ones that come with the attachable pieces though.

• This was the most simple picture I could find. What I do is just put that pussycat Bare Essentials in the crease of my eyelid for a simple look. Then if I have time put a lighter color on the actual lid and below the eyebrow. Just brings a shimmer to it without making it look like you have a ton of makeup on. I also just barely have switched over to the brown eyeliner. It blends in a lot better than the chocolate brown or black I used. Unless it's a black tie event, then go with the smokey eye look. But for everyday, this is definitely what I do.

• I have experimented with a lot of eyeshadow colors, but I've always gone back to the browns and purples--I have green eyes. For green/blue eyes, use more neutrals, but purple makes colored eyes totally stand out. Not a heavy purple, but very subtle. For brown eyes, you can wear tons of colors and not look overdone. You can wear pinks, blues, greens, and yes purple--that looks good on everyone I think. If you're hazel...you're lucky. Anything will work for you. But everything in moderation. Yes, she's wearing purple! 

I feel like I'm giving away secretive information here. But I always love when people tell me what they do and use so I can try it out...more often than not I've always switched just to change the routine up a bit. And it was really fun for me to put together. Again, if you're a guy and you read this, that's weird. For us girls, we can't hop in the shower ten minutes before we need to leave. It is a challenge to find what works for our individual face, but more importantly what we are comfortable with. But do put makeup on, even if it is just a bit of eyeshadow and mascara. Wear perfume. Do your hair. If you read my Ode to Men post, I am a firm believer in making ourselves as beautiful and presentable as possible. 

Beauty product must haves.

I saw another blog post on this and thought it was a genius idea. I'm always curious as to what tricks everyone has for the dreaded daily routine...basically to make things go faster so I can push snooze one more time. Here's what I've always gone back to, and what's always worked. (If any boys are reading this...this probably won't be of any interest to you. Sorry.)

• Skin-colored lip gloss. It's not a "WHOA she's wearing lip gloss," but it's just subtle enough to make a difference. It can easily be applied on the way to school/work. That's why it's always in my car...I would never remember if it was in my makeup bag. More specifically...this is my favorite:

• Going along with the nude color...skin colored nail polish. My favorite is the OPI version, it's called Dulce de Leche. Again, not too much, but I feel much more put together.

• You need to have this if you're a girl (and if you're a guy and still reading this, that's weird.): Eyeshadow from Bare Essentials. More specific colors: Pussycat. Nude beach. (I obviously like that color.) Soul Sister, and Grace. They cost $12 each, but they last forever. Not lying. I have a few containers that I bought my first semester of freshman year, and there is still plenty left. But if you were to just buy one: Pussycat.

• My favorite trick: mixing liquid foundation with baby lotion. One, saves you half of your foundation. Two, it makes it so you're not caked with foundation. Three, instant moisturizer! Four, it smells awesome. I do about a 2/3 foundation : 1/3 lotion ratio. 

• 2" Hot Tools curling iron. It curls...without curling. It's a soft curl at the ends, that's a much better alternative to stick straight hair that's already dead in your first class of the day. It even takes a lot less time than actually straightening.

• Vaseline. If you smother it on your hands overnight, you wake up with silk hands. I'm serious. Try it.

• Drink water. I think that should be put at number one. Try at least 3 liters a day...yeah that's a lot, but your skin will be glowing and you'll notice a huge difference in your metabolism if kept up. 

• Perfume. Wear it. Choose your favorite one, and stick to it. I only have recently stuck to just one, and I'm devoted to it. It took awhile to choose with lots of help from Kaitlin and Stephie, but I'm glad I found my one and only. So don't go buy this.

• This clears my skin no matter what. Neutrogena Clear Pore. Granted everyone's skin is different, but I use it twice a week and it does wonders. Just a mask for ten minutes...I definitely can't laugh when it's on because it dries so fast, but it feels awesome when it's finally off. 

• Last but not least: cotton headbands. Throw one on before the gym. Or right when you wake up and don't have time to do your hair. Hair is pulled out of your face in an instant, with no bobby pins, flyaways, or annoying plastic headbands that hurt the back of your ears. Fantastic purchase...and they're really cheap. My favorite is the gray one, and it's always on my nightstand. 

This was quite fun for me to put together. I hope no boys actually got through this whole thing. If you did, hopefully you found something helpful...? Or you just know a lot more about my personal grooming.

Seven things.

Rules are as follows: Seven things about yourself. Then nominate 7 others to do the same thing. (a.k.a. it will help you think of interesting things to say when you have to introduce yourself in a new class.)

1. If you haven't guessed, I am obsessed with Fall. I love everything about wearing sweaters, having my nose cold, having an excuse to walk into Starbucks...anything. And don't forget the orange/yellow/red tint to everything. It's so...warming. I even bought a mustard yellow shirt on sale today to celebrate.
2. I keep every letter ever written to me, and I have recently put them in a huge binder. I keep it right next to my bed and quite often skim through them to remind me of the fantastic people God put in my life.
3. Speaking of writing, I write in my journal every night, and I have since the 8th grade. I've mentioned everyone who has ever made a difference in my life. If you're reading this, you're probably in there. More than once.
4. I routinely put on my "thinking goggles" when I am trying to think of something while talking to a person. I honestly don't realize I do it. It consists of making a circle with my thumb and index finger and putting it over my eyes. Apparently I also go into a forward lunge every time I get excited about something. My cousins/roommates make fun of me for this--they call it endearing. 
5. I have an obsession with jazz music. Diana Krall, Ella Fitzgerald, Bing Crosby, Harry Connick Jr. to name a few. I think I got it from my mom. Whenever we drive together we always have it on, and I feel like two old women living in their teenage years.
6. I am so happy with my major. (Broadcast journalism. Welcome, Anna!) I feel like the program we have here at BYU was created specifically for me and I seriously love going to every class. One of my favorite things is walking into the newsroom at the Brimhall and feeling like I belong there.
7. I LOVE CHICK FLICKS. I've fallen in love multiple times with Ryan Reynolds, Josh Duhamel, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Ryan Gosling. Yes, I cried in the Notebook.

K. You guys have to do it:

-Laura

-Hannah

-Rylee
-Mary
-Felicia
-Allison
-Erin