I believe that I had a epiphany today: Valentine's Day isn't perfect. In fact, it is seriously biting me in the buttox right now.

You see, the problem with Valentine's Day is ironically what makes it so great.

The candy. Creamy chocolate and sugary hearts all day long of the only guaranteed guilt-free day. It's bliss, isn't it?

...Until the day after. And the day after that. And if you're in my shoes, a week an a half later. Because it isn't really possible to eat it all in one day, especially when you take Valentine's Day as seriously as we do.

V-day needs stop around here already. Because my huffing and puffing, softening body is no longer amused.

V-Day

I love Valentines Day. Always have. Single or not, it is the perfect excuse to celebrate, eat chocolate, wear all the pink and red you want, and red lipstick isn't even a question. I'm not sure it gets better than that.

But as much as I love it, I do have mixed memories about this day. Like when I was 16, Abby and I spent hours upon hours making sugar cookies for my boyfriend because the first batch we mistook powdered sugar for flour. Don't do that. Then he took me to Subway (yes, the sandwich place) for our hot date where we shared a slimy sandwich with pickles. Or Jetblue's painful Valentine's Day massacre. Or freshman year at college we did a big group date to Olive Garden and mini golfing. My date tried to hold my hand, and that was awkward. Or last year when we babysat for my aunt's 6 kids all week, and I spent the majority of it dancing with my sassy 2 year old cousin- and loving every minute of it.

Well, this year wasn't anything spectacular. We both had classes, I had a crazy test, and then worked till 10. I don't think I saw Alex anytime between 9am-10pm.

But somehow, it was probably my favorite Valentines yet.

First off, I had an awesome outfit. Well I thought so.Yes, this is a self portrait...try not to poke fun.

 

In the morning I snuck out of bed to make chocolate chip red velvet pancakes, with a cream cheese glaze. (Recipe below.) With whipped cream, of course. Wow- don't even get me started! I full-heartedly recommend them, even if the amount of food coloring kinda weirded me out. AND I somehow managed to get it all done before I woke him up! (That never happens.)

By the time I got home to change for work, Alex had already left for another class. But waiting for me was a sweet surprise- little notes all over the place. Inside the microwave, in my closet, on the TV, and places that I'm still finding. I'm coming to find this guy to be quite the romantic, and I'm loving it!

Oh, and a trail of reese's peanut butter cups to the bed where a bag of Cadbury eggs lie. This guy knows me.

When I finished at 10, we dined over leftover lobster bisque while cuddling up to an episode of Chopped. We love our Food Network.

Can't wait for next year!

Red Velvet Pancakes with chocolate chips

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons granulated sugar

4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

2 large eggs

1-1/2 cups buttermilk

1/2 cup sour cream

2 teaspoons red food coloring

4 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup chocolate chips

-Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl

-In separate bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, sour cream, food coloring, vanilla. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and fold in chocolate chips.

Cream Cheese Glaze

• 4 ounces low-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk, if needed 

Simply blend together until even. And enjoy!

Mini Road trip

The past two weekends Alex and I have taken "road trips" to Price for his NORC job. Yes, it is only an 1.5 hours away, but the fact that I never take road trips (what can I say, I prefer flying) and it felt like we were headed for the middle of nowhere... it qualifies.






The scenery en route was my favorite part. Stunning. Sorry, fleabag motel and the local joint with a hair in my food didn't make the cut. Not exactly exotic, but it is still fun to get out of Provo- even if it's only a couple days. Plus, how can you not be happy when blasting Billy Joel the whole way?

Another favorite: Alex's bug-eye oakleys that have definitely seen better, more trendy days.

It seems like a road trip wouldn't be legitimate without some trail mix. Or at least that's what they say...

As much as I long to get back to the east coast, days like this make it so worth it.

Wisdom Teeth Adventure

This morning I got my wisdom teeth out. And it wasn't too bad, considering I don't remember anything- except for a few select awkward moments.

Pros: My cheeks aren't as dramatically chipmunk-ish as I pictured. They aren't by any means normal, but compared to the cartoon resemblance I was anticipating... I'm not complaining. You never know with those infamously round Neeleman cheeks! Also having a perfectly good excuse to just hang out is totally okay with me.

Con: I haven't been able to keep down a sip of water or food all day. Sustenance is reeeeeaaallllyyy looking good. Crossing my fingers for tomorrow!

Everything aside, these videos make it ALL better. I hope you find some enjoyment from one of my non-shining moments. Oh and excuse my nasty red teeth, apparently the gauze and I didn't get along.

I still can't believe I am uploading these... but somehow I can't resist. Perhaps any social inhibitions that I have will resurface in the morning, but probably not.

P.S. I'm selling my ocycodone if anyone is interested.

.....i kid, i kid:) Already disposed of them the right way- so don't you get any ideas.

It's Vegas Baby

For our 1 year anniversary, Alex and I decided to keep it classy and go to Las Vegas. Why not, right?

It was great. I decided December is the best time of year to visit Vegas.
1. Probably the classiest you will ever see it- elaborate Christmas decorations, exhibits, and lots of happy music. Nothing short of spectacular.
2. The weather is AWESOME. 65 degrees, I'll take it!

And thanks to Alex's dads amaaazing Marriott discount, it was pretty much guilt free!

We loved sleeping in and walking all over- we calculated that we walked 8-10 miles one day. Wearing high heels- I don't recommend it! We even enjoyed a real Vegas buffet. And I fell in love with the Bellagio's water show... it is enchanting.

My only complaint: they had room service for lunch and dinner, but not breakfast. Now, does that make any sense?

We spent our last night with Alex's grandma, Mam and her six cats. Yes, six. And I have pictures to prove it. Cat ladies are a real thing people!

Doesn't that freak you out just a little bit?

Mam is the best! One of the most hospitable and thoughtful people I've ever met. And she's a riot.

For lunch she took us to a French bistro in the Paris that I'm pretty sure I will dream about for the rest of my life. Mon Ami Gabi. Everything was delicious, and the view of the Bellagio's water show right across the street just put everything over the top for me.

Oh, and a banana foster for dessert doesn't hurt either.

Why yes, that is my husband.

There are pictures of us, but I've seemed to misplace the chord for my old camera. Rats.

An extra little tidbit for you: I hauled our wedding cake with us. Too bad the TSA man didn't think it was as cute as I did, but I passed:)

Alex doesn't quite understand this tradition, and was seriously skeptical of a year-old cake. He ate a few bites, and had me giggling with his exaggerated, "mmmm, freezerburn....!"


It has been an amazing year bebe!

Back in Business

We’re back!

After a few days in Vegas, northern Utah with Alex’s family for the holidays, then flying out on a red-eye Christmas night to the Dominican Republic for a vacation with my family…

We somehow made it back to our little home sweet home.

Christmas break exceeded all expectations. It was so great to be with both of our families, enjoying both sides of the spectrum from little family to massive family. We thrive in the extremes I suppose.

I’m going to have to split this all up into smaller posts, but for today-

a little list of things that are awesome right now:

-4 7oz of hummus deliciousness at Smiths for $5. Who possibly needs that much hummus you say? Right here, gladly.
-today is 55 degrees?!
-no weight gain from break!!! yeeeeehawwww
-2 more nieces on the way
-Williams Sonoma's annual sale...hitting that up tonight!
-my calves and hamstrings are FINALLY finished being sore from insanity workout with my obsessed family. It only took 5 days.






However,
My beloved basil plant has officially bit the dust. Haven't had the heart to throw away, and keep watering it but no miracles yet. I'll keep you posted.



Happy new year!

I think I can I think I can...

It's finals week, can you tell?

4 finals down and the last one is scheduled tomorrow @8AM. I am pretty burned out, and having an awful hard time mustering up motivation for this one. It is no where to be found, I’m 97% convinced.

And I am so sick of people blabbing on about being finished already.

So far I have managed to:
take a final,
work out,
watch Chronicles of Narnia (first time!)
make dinner,
watch the republican debate,
run errands (aka Cocoa Bean)
and…not study.

We will see how this one goes.

It’s too bad I’m feeling this way, because all semester I have looooved my classes. Have I mentioned that yet? I don’t think I have and usually I don’t, but now that I am done with GE’s...it rocks. I am a total nerd, and it is actually quite blissful.

Environmental Health
Methods to Health Promotion
Substance Abuse and Addictive Behavior
International Church
Mind &Body Health

Who’s jealous? Any other health geeks out there?

My Environmental Health I lovingly call my “Save-the-Dolphins-Class” but it has actually turned to much more. Likee actually think about my ecological footprint and to change it. I’m determined to save the world, refusing one plastic bag at a time. It’s happening and you better believe it.

Methods of Health Promotion. Putting plans into action and influence change.

Substance Abuse and Addictive Behavior. How drugs affect your brain, short term and long term. Basically everything you can know about drugs, just ask and hopefully I’ll remember.

International Church. We had to do a beastly research paper in this (didn’t see that coming) but another confession: it was probably one of my favorite assignments. I know, I know I’m a total embarrassment to the student race.

Mind &Body Health. How the mind can affect our bodies. Psychoneuroimmunology is awesome stuff. Yes, big word and I'm hoping I spelled it right. (It’s a real one this time)

Okay enough with nerd talk.

Alex and I are going to VEGAS!! Our 1 year anniversary is this weekend, and we decided to celebrate with class (ha.) I’m not really a Vegas lover, but it’s nearby, pretty cheap, and warmer than here. SO excited. Pictures ((hopefully)) to follow.

But in the meantime, some recent culinary achievements if you please:

Homemade Gnocchi. (And don't you love our sassy china?)

Can't take the credit for this gorgeous french bread- all Alex's doing.

Breakfast burritos- a must in this apartamento