It's been a while. It appears that nowadays I only post when I have something huge to post- like a trip to France. I suppose that in comparison to that, everything else seems pretty blah.

But actually I totally forget about this little blog. Because life hasn't been that blah lately. Alex and I graduated, spent a week down in Zion's, moved out of our apartment, shipped all of our (endless) stuff off, drove cross country TWICE, and among a million more little things- we will be moving back to Brazil in less than a week. This time for a more extended period of time- like.... two years. Oh my.

Right before we shipped it all off

Turns out this summer has gone by far too fast for my liking. But it has been an oh-so-good one, and the perfect way to jumpstart our move to Brazil. I got to work a lot, cook a lot, spend amazing time with friends and family, and even more quality time with my one and only. Who can complain about that?

I don't even know where to begin when it comes to pictures, because it's not secret that I am a lover of pictures. I'm actually impressed with what my little Droid is capable of- and it almost did our summer justice.

First off, food. Because let's be honest, that is the top of the list. I learned how to make homemade mozzarella! This was a huge achievement and source of bragging for me. Because nothing beats fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella from scratch. I used the recipe from here and every time has worked like a charm. Don't forget to drizzle kosher salt, olive oil, and balsamic-




Next, cross country. Well- close enough. Utah --> Connecticut to drive my brother's car out, and then mine. I can't even tell you how incredibly intimidating this was for me. You see, I don't drive much. With the benefits we have at Jetblue, this is something we just never saw the need for. I seriously stressed about those 33 hours. I made healthy snacks, rented audio books, downloaded lots of music, and tried my best to plan out every little detail. Funny how things never work out as you plan, but usually make way for more memories. For instance, our favorite was just talking and stopping at random hole-in-the-wall's for lunch. Who knew it was so simple?

Not that it was picture perfect by any means. A few of those hole-in-the-wall's were big regrets that made us sick to our stomachs. And for the first trip, Alex had the hiccups the ENTIRE way. They ended up lasting 8 days... it was brutal. But I actually loved the road trips and would definitely do it again.

I also rode a horse a few times with my best friend from forever, Abby. I galloped!!! All of it was crazy, terrifying, and completely exhilarating at the same time. Naturally, her horse and my horse were big competitors and loved to pick up speed whenever they could. I would be lying if I said I was totally pleasant about it. Absababs pulled through again, big time. I couldn't believe how beautiful it was up there!

OK, this post is turning into a novel. Saving the best for last, Zion's. Because that is my home away from home. Almost every summer growing up was spent there and I love everything about that place- especially spending time with my cousins. It was Alex's first time, and it was beyond amazing to show him everything. Poor guy, I never shut up about the "memories" and "good times". Of course, we did the Orderville Gultch hike, which was even better this year. Along with four wheeling, swimming, rock climbing, and (friendly but very competitive) family volleyball. That place just does my heart a whole lot of good.

Next time I post, I'll probably be in Brazil. (!!!!!)

Freaking out, just a little bit.

Hmm, just a photoshoot in Paris

As I mentioned before, here are the pictures from our unexpected (and absolutely delightful) photoshoot in Paris! Nick and Stephanie from www.handlebarstudios.com are such genuine, amazing people and their pictures went far beyond my expectations. Checked off "having a photoshoot in Paris" on my bucket list, even though the thought never would have occurred to me beforehand. P.S. you should check out their website, I could look through their pictures and videos all day. They are located in the Lake Tahoe area, but love to travel.

Oh the things the I would have packed had I known we'd be taking pictures like this! Ravaging my little suitcase the night before, I was shocked that I had packed a dress. And even though I would have killed for a different pair of shoes (other than my clunky but oh-so-comfortable boots) it worked out great. Alex of course looked phenomenal.

Not to brag or anything...

    Can your husband do a toe touch? This was news to me.

BUT,

Alex and I went to France. He served his mission there and we just graduated. End result, we gifted ourselves with a trip before starting "real life" jobs. We spent 4 days driving through the south, and 4 days basking (or running around like chickens with our heads cut off... both adjectives work) in Paris. The trip of trips.

It was perfection in its most imperfected form. That doesn't make much sense, but that is simply the way to describe it. Not every french pastry was amazing, unfortunately freezerburn made an appearance. Two of the places we stayed at had horrible cases of overdue-for-clean-up kitty litter stench. And simply getting there consisted of 13 hours of flying, 16 hours of layovers, two red eyes (but three flights in total), and topped off with a 4 hour train ride. With our determined budget we had our fair share of imperfections and it was perfect for us, basically it made way for a lot of unexpected adventures.

However, what WAS perfect included: witnessing Alex speak French (so hot right now), baguettes for lunch, fields of vibrant yellow, and how can you forget the crepe stands? My husband's heroic patience to pull over at my (and my camera's) every whim cannot be overlooked, and the beautiful miracle that my ipod actually hooked up to our rental car whom we lovingly called Taloola. I guess you could say that blasting Billy Joel while driving through the gorgeous south of France was easily a top 5 moment.

Another top 5 was riding our bikes in Paris. Riding past the Louvre I kept screaming to Alex, "THIS IS THE COOLEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE!!!" I couldn't help shamelessly embarrassing myself over and over again. We rode everywhere, because not only was it the most fun- but much cheaper. We got lost constantly, and then bought more baguettes. I also biffed it a few times, but that was expected. Stumbling around looking for a pharmacy clad with ripped pants exposing a bloody knee was another top 5.





And Monet's Water Lillies in the Orangerie. Have I exceeded the 5 limit yet?

Meh, who's counting. I've got more. The lady we stayed with in Marseille (we went through airbnb.com) made us a complimentary breakfast of homemade bread with a variety of 5 different homemade jams, clafoutis, and rich hot chocolate. Clafoutis made such an impression on me that it was the first thing I made when I got home. Delicious, but somehow it is better eaten in France.

Another was passing out on the lawn of the Eiffel Tower. Later than night we were waiting for the lights to come on, and randomly started chatting with this awesome couple  that just so happened to be professional photographers. When I sarcastically remarked that we have been hoping to find someone to follow us around Paris with a camera, they offered to do a shoot for free. Let me tell you, I couldn't have been more thrilled and ridiculously giddy about it. So we met up the next day and took pictures at the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Love Lock Bridge, and Alexander III Bridge. I couldn't believe their generosity and couldn't be happier about the pictures. Alex and I never got our engagements done (his mom took the perfect shot and it was all I needed) so it was so fun to do it two and a half years later. Can't wait to post them!

To be honest, I was terrified that France wouldn't live up to Italy. But no need to worry, I fell whole heartedly head over heels. And I would definitely give an arm and a leg to live there, seriously.

And here are some more, because I obviously can't help myself.

Just A Few Things

The last post was a little catch up until end of December...ish. What has been going on since then?

Well, my hair is a little lighter. This freezing winter has been a little dreary, so something needed some brightness around here. Still keeping with the ombre idea for low maintenance though, thus the darker roots and back (if you could see that.)

I made a heart garland for Valentines day. Craft virgin no more! Not perfect and the demo still looks way better, but nonetheless- SO proud. In fact, I don't think I'll take it down... We are a bit desperate for decorations around here. A little background for you, I am basically the opposite of crafty. I would LOVE to be able take advantage of the endless DIY crafts I see on pinterest, but I am horribly unknowledgeable at it. For example, one of the decorative pillows on our bed has had a rip along the seam for any embarrassing amount of time. Finally I decided it was time to do something about it. So I took out the mini sewing kit I haven't touched since unwrapping as a wedding gift, and searched for youtube videos on how to start and finish a stitch. Basically the simplest, common sense knowledge ever. How embarrassing is that? But I did it! Crooked stitches and all. It was a good, fulfilling moment.

The most pathetic part is that my mom sent me to sewing camp in 7th grade. I should be a sewing guru. But I was bitter and oh-so-snotty about it. Being dropped off at sewing camp with my little sister and her friends was probably the un-coolest thing for my 13 year old ego. So, I did what dumb newly teens do. I was determined not to learn a thing. And while my sister came home with homemade pijamas and pillows, I came home with a couple mini-skirts (still handmade- but basically cut fabric) that suited my defiant 'tude perfectly. So here I am, ten years later and totally incompetent, wishing to take back my week at sewing camp. 

Excuse the terrible quality, phone pics at their best

A few other things... Behold, my favorite snacks that I cannot live without. 

Lastly, we spent last week skiing with my family. They come out every year in February for a solid week of tearing it up. Somehow I convinced Alex to give it another go (last year wasn't the best experience for him...my fault) and he did so fantastic! This time, however, we decided to go our separate ways for the majority of the time. We love each other, but I don't think teaching your spouse how to ski is good for your marriage;) 

I also got to spend some quality time with the one and only Hallie Rose. Missing her soo much