things i'm dreaming of {march}:

 via 
Casual coral shoes.
This amazingly delicious looking treat!
A cute, striped dress for spring.
Gold quotes to go on my walls.
These shoe clips and shoes to go with them.
An excuse to throw a BYU party.
Another excuse to buy this for someone.
Nail polish perfect for warm weather.

i will never drive in Chicago ever again.

I'm usually not a very pro-active person.  Oops.

Back in September, Ben and I ventured up to Chicago to visit a cousin (who actually came down this last weekend and partied with us!) and were amazed at all of the freeways that wound throughout the city.  Mid-morning on Sunday, I was at the wheel and trying to find my way from my cousin's apartment onto the the freeway that would bring us back down to St. Louis.


As we pulled onto the "on" ramp, I realized that we would be merging onto the left side of the freeway, and that the freeway was packed with cars going really fast.  The merging part of the lane was basically non-existant...meaning you essentially drove right onto the freeway hoping that no-one would smash into you from behind.

I kind of freaked out.

I hit the brakes and waited and waited and waited for a break in traffic so I could jump in.  Bad idea.  A line of cars quickly formed behind us and they all began honking at me, stressing me out further.  I'm pretty sure they all wanted to ram into the back of my car so I'd least move forward a little. :)

I eventually ended up gunning it and making it onto the freeway in one piece, and swearing an oath that I would never drive in Chicago ever again.

And last week I realized that my experience was pretty typical of how I deal with things.  I'm not a rusher; I'm a procrastinator.  I observe, analyze, wait, maybe freak out some, and then just go for it last minute.  Preparing to teach Primary, getting homework done, going grocery shopping, calling people back, etc.  In the last few weeks, I've dropped the ball on some things.  Things like getting birthday presents out in time or setting up visiting teaching before the last week of the month.  With working full-time, going to school part-time, and taking care of all the little things life throws at you, I'm learning that I have to prioritize and work on things first that need to get done.  I may have missed the mark this week with homework (made the deadline with 20 minutes to spare, haha), but I did plan out my Primary lesson in advance and I've been better at responding to people.  I'm slowly finding balance in all aspects of my life and I'm happier when I don't feel rushed.  I may not have everything under control or have a plan for everything yet, but I think I'm making progress.

No more last minute gunning it.  I prefer smooth rides.

4 products i love {part 4}:



1 // Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation - I originally went into Sephora looking to buy the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation, but because I'm so pale, the lightest shade was much too orange-y.  I was recommended this foundation instead, and I'm over the moon happy with this stuff!  I don't ever feel like I have makeup caked on and it definitely hasn't made my face greasy or break out!  I'm in love.

2 // Mary-Lou Manizer Highlighter, Shadow & Shimmer -  This came in the mail (yay for Amazon Prime!) just last week, but I'm already hooked!  I'm currently just using this as highlighter on my cheekbones and a little on my forehead, but I love that it gives me a little bit of shimmer without making me look like Edward Cullen in direct sunlight.

3 // Macadamia Natural Oil Moisturizing Rinse - My hair has been super dried out and just outright crazy for the past few months (thanks a lot, winter!) and this has been a breath of fresh air.  After reading about it on two other blogs, I decided to take the plunge and purchase this hair masque.  The first time I used it, I kept smelling my hair all day because it made my hair smell absolutely delicious.  Plus, my hair is softer than it's ever been.

4 // Mac Creme Cup Lipstick - I've barely dipped my toes into the whole lipstick thing over the past few years, mostly because I'm afraid it'll make my face look funky.  But.  This stuff, man.  It's my go-to every. single. day.  It's light enough that I don't feel like it looks unnatural, but it's dark enough that it gives my face some color.

View Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

What products have you recently tried & loved?

Pi(e) Day!


Today is 3/14 and pi is 3.14159265359........  Therefore, it's Pi Day.

If you didn't know what Pi Day was right off the bat, I want to know how you made it through elementary school.  Pi Day was always right up there with the 100th day of school festivities and read-a-thons.  Growing up stinks.  I vote for celebrating Pi Day at work.

In high school, I had a friend whose mom always had this chocolate pie in their fridge.  In fact, she'd make like 2 or 3 of them at a time because so many teenagers would come over and partake of the deliciousness.  And it was easy to make.

All you need is a pre-made chocolate pie crust, 4 Hershey's chocolate bars, and a tub of Cool Whip.  Melt the 4 chocolate bars (microwave or stovetop) and mix into the Cool Whip.  Pour into the crust and refrigerate for 4+ hours.  I sprinkled some Heath bits on top of this one.  Note: the pie in my picture isn't filled to the top of the crust, but that's because I didn't have a full thing of Cool Whip to work with.

Enjoy!

six girls & their trip revolving around food.

About six months ago, a group of friends and I were sitting around eating gelato talking about how awesome it would be to go on a trip with no kids, no responsibilities, and no diapers to change!   Since I a) don't have any kids, and b) love to explore new places, I was gung-ho from the beginning about going on a girls trip!  We threw around a couple of close-by places and settled on Memphis because none of us had ever been there before.

Fast forward half a year and the six of us were on our way to Memphis!


Our first stop was this little hole-in-the-wall place where we had the best ribs ever and met the nicest little, old lady.

After checking into our hotel and letting our food settle for a little bit, we decided to hunt around downtown for some dessert and checked out Beale Street which was definitely hopping!


That night I guess some drunk/high people were trying to get into our hotel room through the joining door from 3am to 5am and were super loud, but...I slept through it and only woke up once for a second.  Heavy sleeping for the win!  After a long night (for everyone else), we started off the morning with some doughnuts - and I definitely wouldn't recommend the maple bacon ones unless you looooooove bacon. :)


We drove around and found the high school from The Blind Side, and then decided to head over to see the home of "The King"--yes, Elvis' home, haha!  In the background of the picture directly below, you can see the mansion Elvis bought when he was 22.  Not bad for 1957 standards...or 2014. ;)  The rock wall in front of the property is covered in writing and drawings and all kinds of entertainment.  We didn't add our names to the wall, but we should have!


Afterwards, we checked out the Nation Civil Rights Museum which is located at the motel where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated.  The place undeniably had a reverent feel to it, and it was definitely an experience to see the place where such a poignant event in history occurred.


Before heading out of town, we stopped to try some Southern fried chicken which we had heard good things about, and oh my goodness, it was amazing!  The perfect amount of spice and crispy skin. ;)  Although there was quite a long wait, we didn't mind standing around outside in the fabulous 60+ degree weather and soaking up some sun for the first time in months!


The nice thing about there being six of us, was that we usually ordered a "family" meal and split it between all of us.  Two thumbs up for sharing, and by doing so, being able to try lots of new places/food. ;)  Unfortunately, now that we're back, I still have the travel bug and I can't wait to go somewhere new!

Who wants to go to Nashville?!

i had some free time today...


Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
makes 20 cookies

1/2 c. coconut oil (should be the consistency of soft butter...not hard or melted!)
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 of a banana, mashed & smooth
1 1/2 t. vanilla
1 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. bread flour
1 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
1 c. chocolate chips

1.  Combine coconut oil, mashed banana, sugars, and vanilla, and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. (2-3 minutes.)
2.  Add flours, baking soda, salt, and mix until combined. (1 minute.)
3.  Add in the chocolate chips and mix until incorporated.
4.  Place dough on a Silpat mat and bake for 9-10 minutes at 400 degrees.

Enjoy!

things i'm dreaming of {february}:

via 

Oops, we're a few days into March already.  It happens. :)

a light, crocheted pullover.
this gel that's supposed to be great for getting rid of dry skin.
a perfectly flavored fruity cake.
doTERRA Breathe Essential Oil Blend.
a perfect top for spring.
this book that I've been hearing a lot about.
a trip to here.
a Sonnet James dress in white and coral.
bubble bath for stress relief.